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Restricted access as more closures take effect up north

Flooding in northern Queensland is continuing to impact key routes and connecting roads, while the Barkly Highway may not re-open

Flooding in northern Queensland is continuing to impact key routes and connecting roads, while the Barkly Highway may not re-open for more than a week.

Main Roads has now imposed restricted access on the Bruce Highway south of the Cardwell Range at Seymour River as water levels rise 30cm above the road.

Although cars have been banned, trucks and four-wheel-drives have been allowed to travel through the flood-damaged section of the highway.

Fallen trees littered across roads have forced the Government to close the Paluma Range, adding to other closures on Herveys Range Road, Greenvale and the Herbert River at Cordelia.

Heavy vehicle restrictions on the Barkly Highway will also be extended for an indefinite period, after the Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure estimated the road would not open for another seven to 10 days.

Once open, trucks will still be banned from travelling on the route, with the department deciding to limit access to light vehicles travelling during the day.

The highway was closed after a major washout west of Soudan Station.

Main Roads says signs will be erected as work continues on affected roads.

“Main Roads is working with local government, emergency services and stakeholders to restore access to communities in the north,” a statement from the department reads.

“Motorists are urged to slow down and drive with care for your safety and the safety of maintenance crews on the road.”

Visit the Main Roads website for more information on road closures.

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