The devastation of Tropical Cyclone Yasi couldn't be more evident than along the Bruce Highway as cyclonic winds and storm surges damaged the road forcing it to close.

» The highway is scheduled to reopen at 3pm today
» Priority will be given to the following vehicles:
   » Emergency Services
   » Residents in the affected areas
   » Friends and relatives of the residents of the affected areas who are providing assistance and welfare support
   » Utilities and resupply services
   » Media

Destructive winds caused significant damage on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Cairns with trees ripped from the ground and powerlines brought down spreading debris across Queensland’s major highway to the north.

Authorities, including the Department of Transport and Main Roads have worked around the clock to undertake vital repairs to parts of the highway and after tireless assessment, have opened the Bruce Highway from Townsville to Cairns with some limitations.

Police have established two checkpoints, at Mutarnee near Frosty Mango, the other near Ingham. The checkpoints will be in place for the next few hours while priority is given to agencies restoring communities and residents trying to get home after an anxious wait. After this time the road will be open to all traffic.

Only one lane remains open at Cardwell. An 80 km/hr speed zone has been applied to the Bruce Highway at Five Mile Creek between the Cardwell Range and Silkwood while work is being undertaken to power lines.

An alternative route for travel between Townsville and Cairns, via Greenvale, is available for tourists and general vehicles.

Getting people home safely is the number one priority and police ask motorists to drive to the unexpected conditions as roads have sustained significant damage and many dangers and hazards are still present, including storm debris, pot holes and craters along with road workers cleaning up the debris.

Motorists should remain vigilant as they journey home, carefully plan their trip, obey all road closure signs and directions from emergency services personnel there to protect them.

Travel on damaged roads will necessitate motorists proceeding at speeds well under the posted speed limits and extra time should be allocated for all road journeys. Motorists are urged to drive to the prevailing road and weather conditions.

Motorists are reminded that they should make all possible inquiries to obtain the most up to date information for their proposed routes before undertaking any travel.

» The Traffic and Travel information line on 13 19 40 or http://131940.qld.gov.au
» RACQ road closure site on 1300 130 595 or http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditions
» Monitoring local councils and local radio stations for local information and updates.

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