Pilbara Wide Loads March April 2017

[mashwa]

In late March & April, there are 29 planned O/S HME movements into the East Pilbara and 12 continuing into the West Pilbara. Oversize loads can range from 5.5m wide to 9m wide and traditionally enter the Pilbara via Newman and the Great Northern Highway. Particular pinch points are:
• Newman & the East Pilbara Mine sites
• Marandoo Hill
• Tom Price

Most O/S movements leave Perth on a Saturday morning and enter the Pilbara between Sunday and Tuesday
• Drive safely at all times and never take unnecessary risks to overtake
• Follow the direction of HME O/S pilot vehicles and Police wardens when asked to pull over for approaching O/S loads
• Wait for the wide load to utilise a parking bay to overtake – the lengths of the convoys are matched to the parking bays (250m)
• Utilise CB Channel 40 (940) to listen for warnings on approaching wide loads
• Allow extra time in your journey management to reach your destination

[bagmaker]

I have always wondered what happens after a downpour when the shoulders are not safe, where do I go (2.5m wide rig) when we meet Mr Caterpillar blade/dumptruck/watertruck?
I understand the pilots are a fair stretch in front but if there are no turnoffs??

[mashwa]

gotta admit this is one of my concerns also, although a lot worse in central QLD as the roads are a lot narrower and the edges usually have large drainage channels, in this regard the UHF radio has certainly helped to remove some of the stress. if I start to pick up communication from escorts i try and pull over at the next available rest area (good excuse for a cuppa) until I can determine where they are.

[Bundyrumandcoke]

CQ usually isn't too much drama. Most are around the 5.5 to 6 metre width. Rarely are they 9 or 10 metres. So you can usually pull over with time to spare. The Gogango Range and a couple of narrow spots between Blackwater and Comet are the only 2 real pinch points, for the Capricorn Hwy. Cant speak for the Nebo Range out of Mackay.