The Queensland Trucking Association has provided an updated list of advice for transport businesses facing the oncoming Cyclone Alfred.

The storm is now expected to cross to land at some point on Friday afternoon after modelling in recent days initially predicted a late Thursday/early Friday crossing.

With winds of over 90 km/h predicted in a range of areas in the affected region from Thursday onwards, the QTA has recommended extra care be taken by operators of Pantech, Fridge and Curtain side vehicles.

“Pantechs/Fridge/Curtain sides are more impacted by wind. It is recommended commercial operators keep in mind their vehicle capabilities but generally, once wind speeds exceed 50 kilometres per hour, drivers of these higher vehicles should reduce speed and be vigilant especially on empty returns,” the QTA says.

“Once winds continually exceed 60 km/h driving is strongly discouraged and we recommend these vehicles should park up until safe to move.”

Bridges including the Gateway Bridge will also be closed once winds hit 90 km/h.

“In all operations we encourage schedulers to adjust travel times to the conditions and remember bridges such as the Gateway and other bridges will close when sustained wind hits 90kph as has happened on occasions before,” the QTA says.

“With respect to the Gateway Bridge this is a decision taken by Transurban and will only reflect conditions relating to wind speed (remember the Gateway may close on several occasions depending on conditions).”

Operations are expected to continue well into today, with fleet set to be stood down on Friday morning to recommence on Saturday after being repositioned from likely flood affected areas.

“Many members have advised that quite a lot of freight will be staged to the west and or on journey to the north on Friday and fleets will mostly be stood down in Brisbane to recommence operations on Saturday with fleets all having been repositioned out of likely flood affected areas.”

Transport for NSW has also urged heavy vehicle operators to avoid all non-essential travel on the following structures from 00:01 hours on Friday 7 March to 23:59 hours on Monday 10 March.

The Restricted Access Vehicles map can help operators plan alternative routes if required, while Live Traffic NSW can provide real-time road closure updates.

Live updates for Queensland road closures is also available here.