Drivers should avoid all non-essential travel in SEQ

South East Queensland residents are being asked to avoid all non-essential travel with heavy rainfall and flooding causing extensive road closures including on the Bruce Highway.

Transport and Main Road Minister Mark Bailey urged people to stay off the roads where possible.

“We’ve closed a 4.5-kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway southbound at Caboolture due to flooding, and it’s expected to stay closed for 24 hours,” Mr Bailey said.

“This means traffic will be reduced to one lane each way for people travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

“This is expected to create significant delays, so we are asking people to avoid the area.

“Further north, the Bruce Highway is cut off just south of Gympie, and the Lamington Bridge in Maryborough is also flooded.

“To the west, Toowoomba Connection Road is closed up and down the range.

“There are now hundreds of road closures across South East Queensland, so we are asking people to stay off the roads to allow emergency services to respond to what’s unfolding.”

Mr Bailey said if you have to travel, use common sense when driving during wet weather.

“If it’s flooded, forget it,” Mr Bailey.

“Tragically, we have already lives lost in this rain event.

“Flood waters can be deceptive, with hidden dangers below the surface, so it’s not worth risking your life just to get home or to work faster.

“Many Queenslanders still tempt fate when driving through floodwaters.

“The bravest thing a driver can do is back away from floodwaters.

“Drivers need to pay attention and always drive to the conditions.

“We want every Queenslander to make it home today, tomorrow and every day so if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Live traffic information is available here: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

For storm-related assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

In a life-threatening situation, always call Triple Zero (000).

ENDS

Media contact: Joe Ogilvie - 0423 184 412