The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has reminded truckies to be extra vigilant when it comes to wind speeds as the slow-moving Tropical Cyclone Alfred closes in on landfall.
“Pantechs/fridge/curtainsides are more impacted by wind,” QTA CEO Gary Mahon told members in a cyclone update yesterday.
“It is recommended commercial operators keep in mind their vehicle capabilities but generally, once wind speeds exceed 50km/h, drivers of these higher vehicles should reduce speed and be vigilant especially on empty returns.”
“Once winds continually exceed 60km/h driving is strongly discouraged and we recommend these vehicles should park up until safe to move.
“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 90km/h as has happened on occasions before.”
Mahon said Transurban makes the call on the closure of the Gateway and will only reflect conditions relating to wind speed.
“Remember the Gateway may close on several occasions depending on conditions.”
Mahon said there are many other risks to take into account including storm surges, debris on roads and other unexpected damage to roads/bridges.
“Drivers need to stay vigilant and take time delays into account for their journey.”
The QTA said Tropical Cyclone Alfred could hit the south-east Queensland coast as a Category 3 system, with its arrival now moving back to 7am on Friday as it tracks slowly towards the coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s technical bulletin suggests there is a possibility the system could intensify before crossing the coast potentially in Brisbane’s south about 7am on Friday, with wind gusts of up to 150km/h expected.
Mahon said many QTA 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.
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