Media Release-Supporting HV truck drivers to safely navigate Cunningham's Gap
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), in partnership with the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) have produced a series of videos to support heavy vehicle drivers traversing Cunningham’s Gap on the Cunningham Highway in Queensland.
Under the direction of TMR South Coast Region, the concept of producing the videos was developed during the consultation phase with industry on the Cunningham’s Gap Reconstruction Project (CGRP). The CGRP will restore and repair a 2km stretch of Cunningham Highway at Cunningham's Gap which suffered significant road damage during the bushfires in 2019.
Situated within the Main Range National Park, that is part of the esteemed Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, the project demands meticulous management to safeguard the surrounding environment. TMR's team has faced unique challenges posed by the complex topography, requiring extensive design work, including geotechnical and structural assessments, before initiating the reconstruction process.
Hon. Mark Bailey, Minister of Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services said, “With Cunningham Highway being a key freight route, TMR were extremely conscious of the significant impact on road users, in particular, heavy vehicles during this period. TMR South Coast initiated consultation with the QTA to coordinate forums with the local trucking industry in the region to better understand how to manage delays and closures and minimise impacts on freight movements.”
The consultation also uncovered a myriad of challenges for heavy vehicle drivers on this section of road due to the gradient and length of the ascent and descent and the complexity of managing gears and brakes. As the complexity of the driving task up and down Cunningham’s Gap for truck drivers was realised, the idea of an advisory video was born to assist heavy vehicle drivers safely navigate this road.
Gary Mahon, Chief Executive Officer, QTA said, “The consultation undertaken by TMR South Coast was exemplary. To have the fleets sit down with the CGRP team in conversation was extremely beneficial. The feedback informed how closures and delays could be effectively managed with the least impact on industry. The creation of the video series will be invaluable for new drivers learning the route.”
The video series can be used generally as a guide for truck driver navigating roads with long steep inclines and declines.
The QTA would like to acknowledge the support of TMR South Coast Region, Wickham Freight Lines for providing the use of a loaded B-Double, Bill Manton for providing his driving knowledge and expertise for the filming and McIlwain as the primary contractor.
The videos are now available and can be viewed here.
Media Contacts:
Gary Mahon | gary@qta.com.au | 0418 736 802
