M7 Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7) restricted area for explosives

This notice is to advise all licence holders involved in the transport of explosives by road that the M7 Clem Jones Tunnel (also known as the CLEM7) has been designated as a restricted area for the transport of placard loads of explosives.

Background

The CLEM7 opened in March 2010 and is a 6.8 kilometres tollway running below the Brisbane River between Woolloongabba and Bowen Hills, with links to other major roads on both sides of the river. Further information on the tunnel including maps can be accessed at the Clem7 website.

The CLEM7 consists of twin, two-lane tunnels running approximately 10m apart. The tunnel is monitored 24 hours a day 7 days a week through the use of over 250 cameras designed to detect and alert control centre operators to variations from normal traffic.

Issues

Based on tunnel design limitations and general safety precautions, all placard loads of dangerous good are prohibited from travelling through the CLEM7. This applies to loads of explosives including security sensitive ammonium nitrate (SSAN), fireworks and propellants.

The CLEM7 has been designated as a restricted area by the Chief Inspector. Under the Explosives Regulation 2003 licence holders must ensure that this is reflected in their safety management systems through route planning and driver training to ensure compliance with clause 8.3.15 of the Australian Explosives Code 3rd edition and clause 13.1.4.4 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th edition. The transport of placard loads of explosives in the CLEM7 is prohibited under the Explosives Act 1999.

Placard loads of other dangerous goods are controlled and regulated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Dangerous Goods) Regulation 2008.

Traffic signs advising of the vehicle restrictions are in place at all entry points and licence holders should be aware that failure to comply is also an offence under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act. They are shown in the image below.

Conclusion

The M7 Clem Jones Tunnel has been designated as a restricted area by the Chief Inspector for the transport of placard loads of explosives; and under the Explosives Act their transport through the tunnel is prohibited.

Authorised by Chief Inspector of Explosives

Contact: Manager, Explosives Licensing , +61 7 3199 8057 explosives@dnrm.qld.gov.au

Issued by Queensland Department of Mines and Energy