Minister urges safety first on wet roads in central west
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace is urging motorists to use extreme caution when driving on Queensland’s central west roads due to ongoing heavy rain and flooding.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace is urging motorists to use extreme caution when driving on Queensland’s central west roads due to ongoing heavy rain and flooding.
“Flood waters can be fast-flowing and unpredictable and I strongly caution road users to avoid crossing inundated roads, causeways, bridges and pedestrian accesses at all times and to put safety first,” Mr Wallace said.
“Some roads may be completely inundated while others may have developed pot holes, silt build-up or be blocked due to debris, so it is important to drive to conditions and obey all road signage.
“I encourage anyone making a trip to call the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ 13 19 40 traffic information line or visit the website ( www.131940.qld.gov.au ) to find out the latest conditions to help plan your journey.”
Current road update
The following state-controlled roads are still affected by flooding or seasonal rainfall:
Landsborough Highway ( Blackall – Barcaldine ) Landsborough Highway ( Longreach – Winton ) Kennedy Developmental Road ( Winton – Boulia ) Clermont – Alpha Road Diamantina Developmental Road ( Quilpie – Windorah ) Currently a 3.5-metre width restriction applies to the Landsborough Highway, Capricorn Highway and all other state-controlled roads in the central west region. This region comprises of the local authorities of Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall/Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach and Winton.
This restriction is due to widespread rain resulting in soft shoulders which are unable to carry traffic without causing substantial damage to the shoulders. These restrictions will be reviewed on Monday, 18 January 2010.
Mr Wallace said the department had procedures in place to respond to all emergencies on the road network, with priority given to the most urgent incidents.
“The department works closely with emergency services to respond to urgent road issues and ensure adequate road closure signage is installed as soon as possible,” he said.
“Along with council crews, the department has maintenance and construction crews out and about assessing road conditions and undertaking emergency repairs on damage such as potholes.
“Once the wet weather subsides and the roads dry out, departmental staff will be on the road conducting inspections and planning for any necessary long-term repairs.
“I’d like to thank road users in advance for their patience while we conduct these repair works and I urge them to continue to drive with extreme caution, for their safety and the safety of maintenance crews on the road.”
Media contact: Minister’s office 3896 3689
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