Two new safety videos have been released to assist heavy vehicle and oversize over-mass (OSOM) drivers navigate the worksite at Cunninghams Gap on the Cunningham Highway.
The videos have been released by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), building on a series of safety videos created with in 2023.
The latest video instalments focus on critical safety advice for drivers, including how to manage steep descents/ascents and using nearby OSOM holding bays, while bushfire recovery works continue in the area.
“As this project is located on a key national freight route linking urban south east Queensland to freight and agriculture hubs south-west, and interstate, TMR always provides advance notice to operators so they can plan their journeys,” said TMR regional director, South Coast, Andrew Wheeler.
“This suite of videos is key to ensuring heavy vehicle drivers are aware of the safety measures needed to keep themselves and all road users safe.”
In both videos, driver trainer Bill Manton explains safety considerations for heavy vehicle drivers to consider, as he steers one of Wickham’s Kenworths through Cunninghams Gap – with TMR project director, Cunninghams Gap Reconstruction Project, Nicholas Lancashire, in the passenger seat.
The first video is called ‘Heavy Vehicle Safety: Safe travelling on steep descents’:
The second is called ‘Heavy Vehicle Safety: Safely travelling on steep ascents’:
TMR says it is supporting heavy vehicle and OSOM movements through the work zone, with key guidance outlined in the videos.
The QTA also praised TMR’s efforts in engaging with stakeholders to ensure the project meets the needs of heavy freight transport.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon said, “The safety of heavy vehicle drivers is a top priority in the reconstruction of Cunninghams Gap, with careful attention given to navigating this complex site. The creation of a special holding bay for oversized over-mass loads is a critical development, providing drivers with a secure area to move loads off the roadway while travelling up the Gap.”
Drivers are encouraged to check the Conditions of Operations Database before their journey and follow the procedures for holding bays and guided vehicle movements once on site.
A reduced speed limit of 40km/h remains in place through the project site to protect both road users and work crews.
These recovery works are being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Information for OSOM loads using Cunninghams Gap
Oversize loads must email traffic.cunninghamsgap@mcilwain.com to notify the project team, three days prior to travel scheduled through the work site at Cunninghams Gap.
Operators can contact the project team on channel UHF40.
Please apply through the NHVR Portal for permits to access this route.
On the Warrego Highway travelling over the Bremer River Bridge at Karalee:
Operators are advised to check the Automated Operating Procedure when travelling on the Warrego Highway over the Bremer River Bridge. Between 11pm and 4am the crossover procedure will be in place.
Dinmore Pads remains as an interception site outside of crossover operating hours. We urge operators to keep the Dinmore Pads clear of any loads and travel to the nearest rest area.
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The post New videos highlight heavy vehicle safety through the Cunninghams Gap worksite appeared first on Big Rigs.
