Industry feedback has been sought by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on a recent proposal to provide a decoupling facility east of Toowoomba.
Both Gatton and Dinmore have been suggested as sites for Type 1 road trains using the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC) when completed in mid-2019.
Heavy vehicle operators are expected to prefer Dinmore given its proximity to Brisbane.
The site is not suitable, according to TMR, in the short term.
TMR has determined that access for Type 1, 36.5m road train combinations would potentially create an unsafe road environment for all road users east of the Gatton interchange.
Potential safety-related issues being factored against it include the significant increase in traffic volumes past Dinmore and the number of at-grade intersections joining the Warrego Highway that require upgrading to ensure the safe operation for vehicles entering and leaving this road corridor.
The National Road Transport Association said it supported a decoupling facility at Gatton as it was determined to be a significant improvement over the current decoupling point in Oakey.
“As the TSRC will be a toll road, NatRoad has asked that we be consulted on proposed toll fees for heavy vehicles as part of ensuring toll pricing is fair and transparent,” the association said in an issued statement.”
“Consultation with our industry will help government and toll operators understand the impact of the toll on transport operations and in turn will help transport operators understand the basis for calculating the tolls.”
“We have also asked that heavy vehicle operators be given sufficient notice on the toll levels before they commence so that they have enough time to account for this additional cost in their contracts.”
“TMR has advised that the Queensland Government is still considering toll levels for the TSRC along with consultation arrangements.”
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