Due to the adverse weather conditions and flooding in the northern region of NSW, motorists are advised to avoid all non-essential travel, and trucks are being diverted away from key freight routes due to widespread flooding. The Pacific Highway is closed in both directions between the Iluka turn off and Grafton. A detour for all vehicles in both directions is available via the Bruxner Highway (at Balina), the Summerland Way, or New England Highway.
Traffic controllers maybe directing traffic at some locations, motorists are advised to travel with additional caution, allow extra travel time and follow directions from traffic controllers. Trucking companies should not send trucks to south east Queensland or northern New South Wales unless they have scoped the route and know that vehicles can get through safely, six of Australia’s trucking industry bodies has warned.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Queensland Trucking Association, NatRoad, ATA NSW, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) and the Australian Livestock Transporters’ Association (ALTA) joined forces to issue the warning. ATA chairman David Simon said there was no point despatching a truck from the south only to have the vehicle stuck on the road.
Closed routes
The Bruxner Highway at Boggabilla is closed in both directions and the Bruxner Highway remains closed between Sunnyside and Tenterfield (west of Tenterfield). In addition, Mount Lindesay Road between Legume and Woodenbong is closed in both directions; and the Kamilaroi Highway is closed between Bourke and Brewarrina.
Re-opened routes
The Ulmarra Ferry and Bluff Point Ferry (at Lawrence) remains out of service due high waters. The Orara Way between Grafton and Coffs Harbour has now reopened. Besides, the Gwydir Highway between Grafton and Glenn Innes is in operation again.