Media Release
Road closures and flooding update – Far North Qld
The State’s far north is currently experiencing heavy rainfalls and localised flooding. Police would like to remind motorists that roads may be closed or damaged due to the on-going severe weather.
The Bruce Highway south of Cardwell remains closed at the turn off to Port Hinchinbrook due to flooding north of Ingham. Motorists should not proceed past Tully on the Bruce Highway.
The Tully Mission Beach Road is passable but the road surface is damaged in parts and motorists should avoid travel.
The Innisfail Japoon-Vale Road is closed at Gracey Creek, however water has receded in other sections and in the township of Wangan.
The heavy vehicle (B-Double) route between South Johnstone and Boogan on South Johnstone – Boogan Road is closed at the bridge that crosses the South Johnstone River due to flooding.
Anyone travelling on the Bruce Highway who wish to access Wangan, the township of South Johnstone and Paronella Park should do so via the Palmerston Highway, Henderson Drive and then on to Japoon-Vale Road.
Other flooding of minor roads in the area continues in the Innisfail District and drivers should exercise caution on the road network. The road surface of many roads is damaged and hence care should be exercised. Checks are still being conducted on roads north of Innisfail.
Information regarding weather and road conditions can be located at the following sites and police are urging members of the public to regularly check these locations for updates and advice:
· Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au for up to date weather information, including up-coming forecasts;
· The Traffic and Travel information line on 13 19 40 or http://www.131940.qld.gov.au
· RACQ road closure site on 1300 130 595 or http://www.racq.com.au/travel/maps_and_Directions/road_conditions
· Monitor local councils and local radio stations for local information and updates
· QPS facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/QueenslandPolicehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Queensland-Police-Service
Police are again warning motorists not to ignore road closure signs as they could be protecting travellers from washouts, craters and other hazards.
Motorists need to adapt their driving to suit the present conditions with some roads impassable or suffering from large volumes of surface water which along with adverse weather conditions can make travel extremely hazardous.
Police are also reminding the community to avoid flooded roads, creeks and watercourses and remember that road closures and road conditions can change rapidly as creeks and water courses can rise and fall quickly.
Do not risk your life, the lives of those in your vehicle and the lives of rescuers. Nothing is so important that you need to enter floodwaters.
07 3015 2444
