The flood-ravaged northern sections of the Bruce Highway could be out of action for at least a week, predicts Blenners Transport boss Les Blennerhassett.
Speaking to the Cairns Post, Blennherhassett said the full extent of the disruptions won’t be known until the waters go down but said there won’t be anything moving on Sunday, February 2.
“With a bit of luck we might start going inland from Monday or Tuesday,” Blennherhassett said.
“The Bruce will be out for week. I would say to the Crisafulli government, as soon as the floods are over, start prioritising the inland routes and all the bridges because this time of the year we’re extremely reliant.”
A Woolworths spokeswoman said the grocer had already commenced back up plans to deliver goods to the north.
“With rail outages north from Brisbane, our teams are working hard to secure additional freight resources via road, while also monitoring road conditions,” the spokeswoman said.
A spokesman for Coles said the supermarket already had stock on its way via alternative inland routes.
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) said today that it urges all heavy vehicle operators to monitor the QldTraffic website here for updates on this rapidly evolving weather event.
“The latest updates have indicated that there will be more roads impacted over the next 24 hours which may seriously impact the ability for truck access into the north,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon.
“We have been advised that there are several fleets that have trucks stranded which is already a concern for those drivers who are in that situation.
“We strongly advise you to keep a very close eye on the updates as this situation is likely to worsen and impact access for an extended period of time.
“We are thinking of the communities being impacted and any businesses whose drivers and trucks are or have already been affected.”
Mahon also reminded operators that if they are sending trucks north that they sufficiently prepare drivers and ensure that they are fully prepared with paper maps, extra supplies and water in the event that roads and communications are cut.
“In the meantime, take care and reinforce safety messaging to your drivers.”
In an update to its members earlier this afternoon, the On the Pads Qld Edition Facebook group advised of the following road closures.
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