OPERATION OF RESTRICTED ACCESS VEHICLES
ON KARIJINI DRIVE – AMENDED ADVICE TO INDUSTRY

In the interests of road safety, Main Roads Western Australia recently applied restrictions to the operation of Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) on the section of Karijini Drive between the signed parking bays either side of Marandoo Hill (Straight Line Kilometres 94.56 – 107.90).

The situation has been reviewed and the following restrictions now apply:

RAVs operating on Networks 7, 8, 9 and 10 are permitted to operate on the above section of Karijini Drive, to traverse the hill between 7:30am and 9:30am only. Outside this window, the 14 km section of Karijini Drive will remain restricted (curfewed) for Network 7 to 10 vehicles. When traversing the hill, operators must slow and engage low gear before ascending/descending the hill. 

The above arrangements are interim only. Road safety concerns regarding higher GCM RAVs traversing the hill remain, and the restrictions as originally outlined in HVO Update 14-2007 will be re-applied upon completion of parking bay upgrades.

All other RAVs with a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) less than 87.5 tonnes are not affected.

RAVs carrying large indivisible items (oversize loads) with a total loaded mass exceeding 85 tonnes must use additional block trucks. Block trucks must have a minimum of 14 tonnes on the tandem drive group. These vehicles operate under Single Trip permits. The number of additional trucks required will be specified on permits. As a guide:
 85 - 170 tonnes   1 additional truck
 170 - 245 tonnes 2 additional trucks
 > 245 tonnes  3 additional trucks or assessed.

No further conditions will be applied as a result of the addition of block trucks.

Operation under the Certified Weighbridge Mass Management Scheme must not exceed 87.5 tonnes on Marandoo Hill.

Concessional Loading Permits will be amended accordingly and holders notified.

Main Roads recognise that these actions will affect operations of heavy vehicles; however it is important that all operators comply with this notice to maintain road safety.

CONTACT
Acting Heavy Vehicle Access Planning Manager, Greg McFarlane, on (08) 9311 8450.

HVO Update 14-2007 and HVO Update 14A-2007 are rescinded.

Doug Morgan
Acting Director Heavy Vehicle Operations
10 April 2007