THE state government is looking for ways to accelerate the approval of B-double trucks through to Lobethal after Thomas Foods International announced its plans to increase production there.
In the wake of the major fire at TFI Murray Bridge, which was finally fully extinguished on Friday, nine days after it started, the government is considering transport options.
TFI chief executive officer Darren Thomas said the company would increase production and staffing at its sites in Lobethal and Tamworth, NSW, as part of its redeployment strategy, while it worked to rebuild the Murray Bridge plant.
A Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure spokesperson said there had already been detailed planning and design under way for the $14-million federally-funded project to upgrade roads between Palmer and Lobethal to enable open access by B-double vehicles.
“In light of the fire at the TFI facility in Murray Bridge, the state government has been exploring opportunities to accelerate the provision of access to Lobethal to minimise the impact upon operations for TFI,” they said.
“The use of B-doubles would significantly reduce the number of vehicle movements required to accommodate the increased freight task as a result of the fire.”
The spokesperson said DPTI was considering ways B-doubles could “use the route in a safe manner for both operators and other users of the road” until the upgrades were completed.
One suggestion is speed restrictions for trucks along sections of the route.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
