Load limits in north-west Queensland may be enforced amid concerns heavy vehicles may further damage flood-ravaged routes in the region
Load limits in north-west Queensland may be enforced amid concerns heavy vehicles may further damage flood-ravaged routes in the region.
There is currently an 80 percent axle load limit on the Kennedy Developmental Road between Winton and Hughenden, with Main Roads saying the limit will not be lifted soon.
“Even though floodwaters may have receded and roads look clear, the roads in some areas have been saturated and could be extensively damaged by heavy vehicles,” a statement from Main Roads says.
The Barkly Highway at Mount Isa is still closed to traffic after a major washout on a Northern Territory highway, and will only re-open to light traffic once it is repaired.
During that time, road authorities will assess the damage to determine wether to allow heavy vehicle access on the route, which has also been limited to single lane daylight travel.
Although as much as five routes in north-west Queensland are still damaged, a section of the Flinders Highway from Julia Creek to Richmond has reopened.
However, speed restrictions have been imposed while repairs continue throughout the day.
Main Roads says access routes will progressively reopen as floodwaters subside and clean-up work progresses.
Other Queensland flood-affected roads include the Burke, Wills, Gulf and Karumba developmental roads.