Temporary restrictions on State-controlled roads due to unplanned events#

Transport and Main Roads is committed to ensuring road user safety along with protecting Queensland Government assets. When unplanned events such as flooding, bushfire and other hazardous events occur on State-controlled roads (SCR) temporary restrictions may be applied. This information sheet provides an overview of temporary restrictions on a SCR due to unplanned events.

Don't get carried away – back it up#

Transport and Main Roads is an active supporter of the Queensland Government's campaign if its flooded, forget it and more recently don't get carried away – back it up. Both messages remain timely advice for road users at all times.

Temporary restriction thresholds (including re-opening)#

Flooding and wet weather#

Where a SCR is impacted by flooding and wet weather, SCR access may be temporarily restricted where the depth of still water is 300 mm or more. Where the water is flowing, the restriction may be applied at a lower depth depending on the speed of flow. The faster the flow, the lower the depth for applying a temporary restriction. Temporary restrictions may also be applied where intelligence suggests upstream catchment, flows, or other issues may cause levels to rise to 300 mm or more in the immediate future. Transport and Main Roads will re-open SCRs following inspection by an authorised officer. Depending on the severity of the impact, a full inspection may be required.

Bushfire and other hazardous events#

Where a SCR is impacted by a bushfire or other hazardous event, Queensland Fire and Emergency Service and/or the Queensland Police Service typically consults with Transport and Main Roads as necessary to apply a restriction to the SCR. The exact tactics and authority for the restriction are determined as part of the consultation. A SCR will be re-opened when it is safe to do so, this may require inspection by an authorised officer. Depending on the severity of the impact, a full inspection may be required.

Signage at temporary restrictions#

When a temporary restriction is applied on a SCR due to an unplanned event, a variety of signage may be installed or erected such as by Transport and Main Roads or other Contract holders. These typically include, but are not limited to:

Restricted Road Use Notice#

A restricted road use notice advises the road user or other persons of how the SCR is restricted and the penalty for driving past the restricted road use notice. Two examples are explained in detail below:

In this example, the SCR is closed to all traffic due flooding and the penalty for non-compliance, that is driving past without an applicable exception, is a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units.

This instance, the road has a gross load limit of a maximum of 46 t applied and the penalty for non-compliance, that is driving past without an exception, is a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units.

Official Traffic Signs (No entry signs)#

An official traffic sign (typically a no entry sign) advises the road user of how the road is restricted. The most common sign is a no entry sign and road closed official traffic sign either singular or combination of both. Examples of official traffic signs (no entry sign) are explained below:

In this example the SCR is closed to all traffic, that is, no entry. This is a LED sign.

In this example the SCR is closed due to flooding to all traffic, that is, no entry. There are limited applicable exceptions to drive past an official traffic sign.

Exceptions#

There are limited exceptions to allow a road user to drive past a restricted road use notice or an official traffic sign, such as a no entry sign. These typically include, but are not limited to:

Restricted Road Use Notice#

Written approval can be provided by the department to allow a road user to drive past a restricted road use notice for a single, multi-trip or for those performing roles such as transport inspectors. Application (in the form of an approval to drive past a restricted road use notice) is typically made to the Transport and Main Roads' district office and are considered by authorised officers, with the outcome provided to the applicant as soon as practical. Where an outcome is approved certain conditions may be applied, including an assumption of risk by the applicant. Importantly, some signage at temporary restrictions indicates local access permits excepted. This refers to those that have been issued with an approval to drive past a restricted road use notice. Though, where the approval has been issued and the signage does not include such statement, it does not preclude the road user from relying on the approval in the case of a restricted road use notice.

Official Traffic Signs (No entry signs)#

A range of limited exceptions apply for a road user to drive past an official traffic sign. These are typically reserved for drivers of police vehicles and drivers of emergency vehicles.

Traveller information about temporary restrictions#

Road users are reminded to drive with due care, attention and to the condition of the SCR including complying with signage, road rules, and approvals (if applicable). To assist in navigating their journey, road users can access QLDTraffic, which is the department's single source of truth for traveller information on SCR. Access is available via:

• QLDTraffic website via QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au.
• QLDTraffic app via all good app stores.
• Telephone service via 13 19 40, including assistance from an operator.
• Social media channels such as Twitter.

References#

• Transport and Main Roads EP147 Road closure policy for wet weather and flooding
• Transport and Main Roads Operational standard for temporary restrictions on state-controlled roads due to unplanned events, and
• Transport and Main Roads information sheet series (located under See also on Engineering Policies web page).

Contact information#

Policy, standard and information sheets#

timanagement@tmr.qld.gov.au

Network Operations, Statewide Network Operations

QLDTraffic for traveller information#

Visit http://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au, download the QLDTraffic app from device app stores, or call 13 19 40 to speak with an operator.

Transport and Main Roads' district offices#

For assistance with approval to drive past restricted road use notice, the following Transport and Main Roads' offices can assist:

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