New transport updates for flood-affected Queensland

The Queensland Government has announced updates regarding the status of the state’s public transport network and highway connections, as flooding continues to impact the region.

The Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Traveston has re-opened for priority travel, with drivers being reminded to only travel for essential reasons.

Sections of the highway will operate at a reduced capacity and speed limits due to on-going floods throughout the region.

The flooding has already claimed eight lives, with major flood and a severe thunderstorm warnings still in place for Brisbane and the Moreton Bay area.

Some sections of the highway will remain closed from the Mary Valley Link Road interchange at Traveston due to significant flooding in Gympie and Maryborough.

More than 50 state-controlled roads and local roads have been closed due to extreme weather conditions across the North Coast. More than 1000 roads have been closed across the state.

Impacts are still being felt across the region’s public transport network, with Queensland Rail crews inspecting the rail network, discovering extensive damage to stations, track and overhead electrical wiring at a number of locations.

As such Queensland Rail services will remain suspended today and possibly longer due to the extensive damage. A limited number of bus operators are in action, with Brisbane City Council services to run a Saturday timetable today.

Ferries on the Brisbane River will also remain suspended while river levels are high. School bus services will run to schools that are open and where it is safe to do so.

Disaster assistance has also been extended to Councils in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett and Southern Downs local government areas.

There are now 17 councils activated for jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) assistance in response to the unfolding event.

Schools throughout South East Queensland are gradually beginning to re-open, with selected state schools in the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Lockyer Valley Local Government Areas to welcome students back to the classroom.

However, all state schools will remain closed today, with a full list of closed schools available on the Department of Education website.

To stay up-to-date with the latest Bureau of Meteorology warnings, including flood warnings and river levels click here.

For storm-related assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app. In a life-threatening situation, always call triple zero (000).

Related stories: