Barwon Highway expected to open soon to limited local traffic only

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has advised Goondiwindi Regional Council that a damage assessment of the Barwon Highway will take place today. Pending the results of that assessment, the state-owned highway is likely to open to limited local traffic only.

Cr Jason Watts holds Council’s portfolio for roads and transport, and said the current condition of the road will not be suitable for high volumes of traffic or heavy vehicles.

“Some sections of the Barwon Highway have been underwater for the past two weeks, causing significant damage to the road,” he said. “There’s particular concern for the section between Toobeah and Talwood, and the area is still saturated.”

The Barwon Highway is currently open from Goondiwindi to Bungunya, with caution, but is closed at Talwood.

“I know that the approval from TMR to open the Barwon will be welcome news to those residents who have been isolated and cut off from their usual services and social networks in Goondiwindi,” Cr Watts said.

“When the road opens, it will be to limited local traffic only, in the best interests of local residents who need to be able to access services, but who also depend on the long term viability and safety of this essential highway.

“It’s really important that we delay putting trucks and other heavy vehicles across the saturated pavements until repairs are made,” Cr Watts said. “We understand that people will need to get essential goods to their properties, however, there needs to be some consideration to when grain is being carted. We don’t want to get to the point where the road deteriorates so much that it will need to close again to all traffic.”

The road is expected to be open to heavy vehicles (e.g. grain loads) in mid-January, once repairs have been completed.

The Barwon Highway is owned by the Queensland Government, but Cr Watts says Council’s road crews will do their best to return the road to a condition suitable for all traffic in the coming weeks.

“Obviously there is a long list of flood repairs needed across the region, and the Christmas period is typically a difficult time as suppliers shut down for the break,” he said. “Council is already having difficulties in sourcing pavement repair materials, but is working towards restoring this essential link for local communities once we have the resources in the new year.”

While some residents have been able to access services in St George over the past weeks, Cr Watts said there are still rural residents whose properties are cut off from the highway.

Council has scheduled helicopter deliveries of essential supplies for affected residents on Tuesdays and Fridays. Residents who are isolated by floodwaters and in need of essential supplies (such as medications or groceries) should contact Council on 07 4671 7400, as early as possible. Residents will need to order and pay for their goods in advance – the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) will cover the cost of delivery.

“I do just want to acknowledge what a difficult time this continues to be for many of our western residents,” Cr Watts said. “Thank you in advance for your patience with this situation, and I know that everyone who relies on this road for their livelihoods will appreciate your cooperation.”