Truckies on notice as 2 years of restrictions come to end

Special technology has been installed at Gympie’s rebuilt and reopened Normanby Overpass to stop rogue truck drivers from breaking the rules and damaging the $3m structure

The $2.9m rebuild of the Normanby Overpass at Gympie completed a head of schedule.

The State Government has completed reconstruction of Normanby Overpass in Gympie with full access for motorists reinstated ahead of the May long weekend holiday.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the completion was good news for motorists following restrictions over the past two years.

“After being struck by an over-height vehicle in 2018, low speed and load limits had to be put in on Normanby Overpass for the safety of motorists,” Mr Bailey said.

“The overpass now has a new deck and girders to strengthen it, and those limits can go back to normal.

“We have also introduced new measures to reduce the risk of the overpass being hit in the future.

“A new laser detection system on both approaches to Normanby Overpass will activate when a vehicle higher than five metres is detected, detouring them around the overpass using the on and off-ramps.

“In future, electronic variable message signs will be added advising drivers of over-height vehicles to use the detour.

“The detection system will also trigger an automated message on UHF radio channels reinforcing the need for over-height vehicles to detour around the overpass.”

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Mr Bailey said driver behaviour at the overpass had been monitored since it was hit in 2018.

“Some over-height vehicles were observed crossing over the double lines into the opposing lane to avoid impacting the lower side of the overpass,” he said.

“Flexible bollards have now been installed along the centreline of the highway near the overpass to deter this behaviour.”

The $2.9m rebuild of the Normanby Overpass at Gympie completed a head of schedule.

The $2.9 million project was fully funded by the Palaszczuk Government and delivered by RoadTek within the three-month schedule.

“Our team at RoadTek has worked hard to ensure the new overpass would be ready ahead of the May long weekend holiday traffic,” Mr Bailey said.

“It is great to see local RoadTek crews kicking goals.

“We‘d also like to thank the community and road users for their patience and co-operation while this work was being completed.“

For more information on the completed project, contact Transport and Main Roads on 1300 728 390 or email [e-mail].

For up-to-date information about road closures across Queensland’s state-controlled road network, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QldTraffic app.

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The $2.9m rebuild of the Normanby Overpass at Gympie completed a head of schedule.

Originally published as Truckies on notice as 2 years of restrictions come to end