The Queensland Police confirmed a temporary bridge has been constructed on the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek.
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The single lane bridge opened yesterday afternoon, allowing critical emergency services and supplies into isolated areas from Townsville.
The lane is operational between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm, subject to environmental conditions, and can only accommodate one vehicle at a time travelling at two kilometres per hour.
This bridge will be the only road into flood affected areas, including Ingham and the Hinchinbrook Shire, from the south, but it doesn’t allow heavy vehicles to access the area.
Emergency services vehicles will be crossing the bridge, so isolated communities can receive the critical supplies, services and support they need at this time.
Police will be stationed at the checkpoints and the bridge 24 hours a day and all vehicles and people will be checked for their need to access the community with records kept of all those who cross the bridge.
Heavy vehicles more than 35 tonnes will not be able to cross the bridge as the weight risks compromise the integrity of the temporary structure.
Residents are advised that the opening of the bridge is not an opportunity for sightseeing, but strictly for emergency personnel, while the rail bridge bus can be used by flood impacted residents with the approval of police on site.
Everyone is reminded to expect delays, drive with caution and adhere to the advice of traffic controllers and police at the scene so that the bridge can operate as efficiently as possible.
This arrangement will be for the foreseeable future, while work is underway to open more routes to deliver critical supplies and support into the flood impacted towns in North Queensland.
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