Media Release
Gladstone road closures and traffic hazards
Police are appealing for motorists and residents in the Gladstone area to take care on water affected roads and put their personal safety first.
Significant rainfall in the Gladstone area, has resulted in an increase in water flow in many streams, tributaries and water courses.
Police are urging all motorists in the Gladstone area to exercise extreme caution when travelling in heavy rain and on water affected roads.
There are currently three prime movers and five vehicles stranded on Fingerboard Road near Miriam Vale due to flooding. Police and SES are on the scene and are providing supplies to the 15 people stranded.
Other roads affected by the weather include Dawson Highway, which is closed at Mt Rainbow Range, Calliope due to large rocks on the road. Dee River has spilt over the Burnett Highway at Dululu and the road has been closed, however there is an alternate route through Leichhardt Highway. Baffle Creek and Deepwater are currently isolated due to water over the bridge at Hill Road, Duleilah.
There is a large pot hole north of Raglan and numerous other pot holes causing traffic hazards on the Bruce Highway and other roads in the area. The route between Agnes Water and Bundaberg is likely to be cut off by the high tide later today due to water rising at Essendean bridge, Rosedale.
Power lines were also down and have been fixed in Toolooa Street and Butler Street, Gladstone.
Police are urging motorists to restrict or avoid night driving if possible, as road conditions may also be difficult to assess after dark.
Parents are also being urged to discourage children from playing in waterways which are affected by flooding. Water levels and conditions can change rapidly causing dangerous currents and storm surges, which could result in people being swept away.
Police would like to remind members of the public to monitor the localised flooding situation in their area by listening to local radio updates and contacting local councils and community organisations such as the RACQ.
Police are requesting that members of the public do not contact their local Police Communications Centre about road closures.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day. Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
07 3015 2444
