Motorists are urged to plan their journeys to the Somerset, Moreton Bay and South Burnett regions carefully this morning, as reports of widespread flooding due to heavy rainfall have seen numerous roads made inaccessible.
In a recent update to its road conditions map, the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has identified several main access routes to the South Burnett as closed to the public, with common roads such as the D’Aguilar Highway and Brisbane Valley Highway among those which have been blocked off.
TMR declared the D’Aguilar Highway at Kilcoy Creek east of Kilcoy as closed to all traffic; similarly, the Brisbane Valley Highway at Esk’s Gallanani Creek is similarly inaccessible, while Gregors Creek Road at Yimbun has been partially flooded in both directions, with delays likely.
Flooding has also impacted other Somerset localities such as Toogoolawah, Mount Beppo, and Coominyah, while large parts of the Moreton Bay Regional Council area are also flooded; road closures have been reported in these areas.
In the South Burnett, Paige Road at Barker Creek west of Glan Devon is currently inaccessible due to rising water levels.
Earlier this week, the Queensland Police Service reached out to the state’s motorists in anticipation of these heavy rainfalls and flooding events, advising members of the public who have to travel to stay alert and informed.
“With severe weather with intense rainfall and potential flash flooding predicted to again impact many parts of Queensland police are urging the community against complacency and are advising people to stay up to date and stay informed,” a QPS statement read.
“Tragically, severe weather and flooding has seen motorists, pedestrians and boaties loose their lives this year with police pleading with the public to heed the warnings and advice of authorities and to re-think their need to travel during intense, heavy or persistent rainfall.
“Intense rain, damaging winds and embedded severe thunderstorm activity can result in extremely hazardous conditions on roadways.
“Trying to navigate these hazards, either in vehicles or on foot, is extremely dangerous, as we have sadly already witnessed, as water levels rise and fall quickly.
“Members of the public are urged to avoid roads, creeks and bridges likely to be impacted by rapidly rising water, storm debris and flood damage. Motorists are also reminded that road closures and road conditions can and do change rapidly, often within minutes,” they added.
To ensure their safety, motorists are urged to plan their trips ahead of time as well keep their speed in check.
“If It’s Flooded: Forget It and just Back it Up,” police warned.
“Importantly, re-think your need to be on the roads as flash flooding can and does occur without warning, washing away roads, bridges and vehicles. Motorists can easily, and unintentionally, find themselves swept away,” they added.
“Parents are also reminded to ensure their children are not playing in flood prone waterways, watercourses and drains.”
