Road condition report (Fortescue Valley and Karijini National park)

Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 12:32
ThreadID: 90641 Views:3044 Replies:2 FollowUps:3
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Good morning all!

Due to construction of a new train line west of Wittenoom you will experience copious amounts of traffic both LVs and heavy haulage. A mining firm ( you may know which one ) is in the early stages of constructing a spur line from near Rio Tinto Gorge past Bea Bea creek then connecting to the mail line. Auski Roadhouse is buzzing right now. Pity it costs an arm and a leg!!

Now for starters the rail will cross the Great Northern Highway around the Bea Bea Creek area ( Not sure what kilometer mark ). Just north of the Bea Bea Creek camping area. I had heard that this rail was to be bridged over the GNH but I have recently being told different. Believe me if it's not bridged the truckies won't be pleased! If you know the area you'll know what I mean.

This rail continues westerly and crosses the Roebourne Wittenoom Rd a few clicks north of Wittennom. Going through Mulga Downs Station and Mt Florence. Cause of the increase of traffic the roads are now regularly graded. A great bonus for some travellers. But only graded to the Fortescue Valley Rd. Sometimes known as the V15 Rd.

The Rail crosses the Munjina Nanutarra road twice ( roughly 2kms on each side of the V15/ Munjina Nanutarra Rd junction ) And I think that due to the rail part of this Road will be diverted. I have also being told that some 8m wide loads will travel from Auski Roadhouse to the rail loop which is a few kms shy of the Rio Tinto Gorge. Speaking of the Gorge heavy haulage ( doubles & i think triple road trains ) have travelled through the gorge. And there has being some issues with this. Causing some damage to the surface!! You can hear the tar on your tyres!!!!

Soon to be installed are proper signs for calling up when entering the Rio Tinto Gorge. The signs will mention either 'up' or 'down' the gorge. Some people have being saying 'north' or 'south'. That bugs me cause the flow of traffic is either east or west bound!

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The entrance to the mine is roughly half between Hammersley Gorge and the Rio Tinto rail line. An airport is in the construction phase at the moment and a camp along the Hammersley Rd. Traffic along this is heavy!

So please keep ya heads up and stay on Channel 40 and believe me these rock apes don't slow down!!!
I think I have covered everything any questions just ask :)

I've being meaning to mention this as I've known about it for a few years now. Sorry!

Cheers

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Matthew Clements
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Reply By: Flighty ( WA ) - Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 12:47

Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 12:47
Thanks for that Matthew.
Am heading that way tommorrow, and the heads up is bang on time.

Cheers & Regards
Paul

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Follow Up By: Diesel 'n Dust - Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 12:55

Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 12:55
Cool & glad too help!

Are travelling for pleasure or work?



Matthew Clements
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Follow Up By: Flighty ( WA ) - Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 14:04

Wednesday, Dec 14, 2011 at 14:04
Unfortunately it is work related, but keep an eye out for the toy and the trailer behind it, full of steel and welding gear.
UHF 40 is always on
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Reply By: Member - Rob Mac (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 15, 2011 at 23:50

Thursday, Dec 15, 2011 at 23:50
Hi Matthew, back in the mid to late 80's when I used to deliver diesel to Wittenoom power house from Tom Price it was pretty tight with just a single trailer. Has Rio Tinto Gorge been widened?, because then all road trains had to break-up top and bottom. I remember going up the gorge part way up and a car and caravan coming down, made him back up into a wide section.
Have to get back that way sometime, probably when I take my long service in 2013.
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Rob Mac
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Follow Up By: Diesel 'n Dust - Friday, Dec 16, 2011 at 00:15

Friday, Dec 16, 2011 at 00:15
Rob,

I've seen 4 flat decks ( together ) go east bound through the Gorge as they were in front of me, as it's a quicker way to the Great Northern. But I had heard of a double going up ( westbound) the gorge and losing traction causing all sorts of issues!!

Really the mine is in a trouble spot for ease of logistics. But hay I'm not an engineer so what would I know! :)

Cheers
Matthew Clements
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