Hi Anne,
FYI I received a reply from Joanna Hyde, Customer Service Manager from Main Roads. You probably have this information but I’ve copied it below just in case. They are using safety as their reasons and that is difficult to fight, but best to keep on their backs to get some action.
Cheers……Ken
Dear Ken
Thank you for your email dated Tuesday, 17 October 2006. The Regional Manager, Peter Podlaha, is currently on leave and I have been asked to respond on his behalf.
For your information please find attached the latest information regarding Heavy Vehicle Access on the
Gibb River Road .
The current approval for Heavy Vehicles operating on the
Gibb River Road is as follows:
•Up to 53.50 metre triple road trains between the GRR/
Derby Highway
Intersection and GRR/
Gibb River Station
intersection
•Up to 36.50 metre double road trains between
Gibb River Station and the
Gibb River-
Kalumburu Road .
•Up to 36.50 metre double road trains on the
Gibb River-
Kalumburu Road .
•Up to 20.0 metre truck and trailer configurations between
Gibb River Road/
Kalumburu Rd
intersection and the
Gibb River Road/Great Northern Highway
•Up to 53.5 metre triple road trains from Great Northern Highway/
Gibb River Road t/off to Rob
Hill pits (7kms)
The
Gibb River Road , between
Kalumburu Road turnoff and GNH, was constructed to a lower standard than the western section of the road and road trains have never formally been given access through Heavy Vehicle Operations.
The recent introduction of new Class 2 and 3 permits has raised the awareness of transport operators that they have been illegally travelling on the East
Gibb River Road without permits. Through the transport operators feedback the
Kimberley Main Roads Regional Office also became aware of the situation.
The transport operators, local communities and station owner/managers have now requested formal approval for permits for 36.50 metre double road trains on the eastern section of Gibb-River Road , between
Kalumburu Road turnoff and Great Northern Highway .
In response to these requests, we have commenced a formal route assessment of the road to determine its suitability for road train operations. This inspection component of the assessment was undertaken last week and a report, which will identify deficiencies and scope work to address those deficiencies, is expected to be available early in November.
The key concern in allowing road train access to this road is safety. This is particularly an issue at the Russ
Creek , Bindoola and Pentecost Range jump-ups which have limited visibility for approaching vehicles. Two of these jump-ups also have steep gradients and there have been incidents of road trains having insufficient traction to complete the ascent and rolling back down the incline.
To assist transport operators and minimise safety concerns, Main Roads is making arrangements to construct temporary lay-down areas at the sites of the three jump-ups, enabling road train configurations to be broken down. These facilities are expected to be completed within the next two to three weeks.
As an interim solution, Main Roads proposes to implement special local access arrangements allowing road trains up to 36.5m to utilise the eastern end of
Gibb River Road . Under these arrangements;
•Considering there are 4 weeks left to complete the cattle season, double road trains will be allowed to operate on the eastern section of
Gibb River Road until 17 November 2006 to transport food, fuel and cattle. Speed limit restrictions will be in place at the Russ
Creek , Bindoola and Pentecost Range jump-ups. Transport operators will require a Permit from Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch to formalise this access.
•From 18 November 2006 to 30 June 2007 double road trains will be allowed to operate on the eastern section of
Gibb River Road to transport food, fuel and cattle on the condition that the road trains will break down to a single trailer at the Russ
Creek, Bindoola and Pentecost Range jump ups. Main Roads will construct break down areas at each
jump up to allow this operation to be completed safely. Transport operators will require a Permit from Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch to formalise this access.
•By June 2007 Main Roads
Kimberley Region will complete its review of the road, and in conjunction with Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch will have developed a more long term solution for this issue.
•To organise these permits it is requested that station owners/transport operators etc contact John Rossiter at Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch on 9311 8450 who will provide further details on how the Permits will be issued.
Main Roads will also install appropriate warning signs on the approaches to the jump ups to ensure the safety of all road users.
If you need any further information please feel free to call.
All the best
Joanna Hyde
Customer Service Manager
Kimberley Region
Main Roads Western Australia
PMB 959,
Derby WA 6728
Ph: 08 9158 4321
Fax: 08 9158 4334
Mobile: 0419 988 334
Sat: 0416 249 023