Toowoomba eastbound lane back in play for truckies

All vehicles will need to follow the direction of traffic controllers and drive to the reduced speed limit.

Crews will be monitoring the weather and road conditions and if necessary short-term closures may be implemented if the unsealed conditions deteriorate due to further significant rainfall.

Planning continues for the temporary low-level crossing which will provide a more permanent option while the new Fitzroy Crossing Bridge is constructed.

Procurement for the full replacement of the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge is being fasttracked, and the WA Government plans to award a contract in coming weeks.

AS eastbound lane of the Toowoomba Bypass was reopened on February 3.

The eastbound lane can be used for vehicles up to 3.2m wide, or vehicles up to 4.5m if the load is greater than 1.0m off the ground.

Larger vehicles are required to detour via the approved route through Toowoomba (see map above).

Vehicles between 3.5-6.2m wide and no higher than 5.4m, will only be permitted to travel through Toowoomba between 9pm-5am, with no permit amendment required.

Vehicles between 6.21-7.9m wide and no higher than 5.4m, will only be permitted to travel through Toowoomba between 11pm-3am. They must submit a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for the alternate route only. TMR approval is required prior to travel.

For vehicles 7.9m wide and above, travel through Toowoomba will only be permitted between 11pm-3am. They must identify an alternate route and submit a permit application with a completed TMP through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

The westbound lanes remain unrestricted for all oversize vehicles.

Nexus Infrastructure CEO James Thewlis said works had progressed well. He was pleased to be opening this lane ahead of schedule.

“With the initial stabilisation works complete, we are now able to confidently reopen an eastbound lane for motorists,” Thewlis said.

“Works will continue on the cutting repair but this closure and stabilisation work will al- low us to re-construct the cutting while maintaining traffic flows on the bypass.

“We thank the community and motorists for their patience during this time while these essential works were carried out.”

He added that one lane will remain closed for the duration of the reconstruction works but this is unlikely to impact on travel times.

“Safety is always at the top of our priority list and we ask motorists to be aware the works and follow the signage as directed for their safety and the safety of others.”

There will be a 40km/h speed limit when moving through this section of the bypass.

Shipping containers have been setup in this area as a barrier between ongoing works and geotechnical monitoring of the cutting will continue.