The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has announced the Ollera Creek Bridge is now open for freight and supply vehicles.
From 8pm last night, the bridge was made open to freight, supply and emergency vehicles travelling north to Cairns.
The priority works to deliver an interim repair solution for the bridge have been finished. While future additional work is required, the opening of the bridge was fast-tracked to facilitate freight movement ahead of expected further flooding impacts north of Ingham in coming days.
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TMR has suggested freight, supply and emergency vehicles to consider using the window from 8pm last night until the Seymour Bridge closes for essential travel to head north from Ingham to Cairns.
Freight, supply and emergency vehicles travelling north will be prioritised because the Bruce Highway at the Seymour River between Cardwell and Ingham is expected to close this morning due to flooding.
Queensland Police is coordinating the priority movement for freight vehicles, with the Ollera Creek Bridge also set to open to general traffic this afternoon.
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) says almost 300 vehicles made it through the crossing last night, with other freight being let through.
“Far North Queensland will have supplies, which is amazing, and produce is coming south, which is great news,” the association says.
“Work is progressing today, so we will get another message out when we know more.
“If staging trucks to cross the bridge, please advise drivers to stay well away from either side of Ollera Creek. Trucks need to stay away from parking besides highways to allow big Roadtek machines in.”
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