Upgrades stop dangerous ‘guessing game’ for truckies
ROAD train truck drivers will soon be able to commute to Brisbane without playing a “guessing game” or risking over-size fines along the Warrego Highway.
Last week, the transport department announced preconstruction would commence on a new breakdown pad for oversized trucks near Gatton.
The department confirmed the new facility would be built on crown land, formally owned by the University of Queensland bordering the eastern side of Hausers Road.
The announcement has been welcomed by Gattonbased truck driver Greg Smith, who has been left in difficult over-size situations in many occasions.
He said the current system was an “absolute joke” and was eager to see the new facility built.
The truck pads at Lawes, east of the Gatton overpass, accommodate about nine trailers.
“At the moment, you don’t know how many trucks are at the truck pads,” he said.
“You’re not allowed to take road trains past that checkpoint, and on a number of occasions it’s been full.
Mr Smith said truckies could not drop a trailer on the side of the road because the truck pads were full.
“It’s definitely going to stop a guessing game,” he said.
Gatton owner-truck driver Bruce Logan, who operates BA Logan Transport, said he supported the new facility, as long as it was big enough.
Pre-facility construction has already constructed following the Department of Transport and Main Roads announcing a $4.5 million package for the facility.
Pre-works include widening and strengthening the on and off-ramps at the Gatton overpass along with the round-a-bouts and connecting roads.