The effects of bushfires are continuing to impact heavy vehicle operations across Australia, with some areas of the country experiencing deteriorating conditions.

NHVR is urging all heavy vehicle operators to take steps to ensure safe travel when operating in and around areas affected by bushfires.

Where possible operators should avoid travelling in bushfire impacted zones, however if required be aware of local emergency access arrangements.

The following Bulletin answers some of the questions we’ve received in relation to bushfire recovery.

The next Bulletin will be available on January 15.

Nullarbor re-opened

The Eyre Highway and the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway have been re-opened in both directions.

Some speed restrictions are in place, and a large number of heavy and light vehicles are currently moving in both directions.

The NHVR and other agencies are on site to assist with the flow of traffic.

Operators are asked to ensure they carry sufficient fuel and water, as many roadhouses will be low or out of stock.

Please stay up-to-date with the status of both highways, as conditions could change at short notice.

> Click here for the latest information

If fires have interfered with your ability to lodge access or accreditation applications please get in contact with us on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487) or info@nhvr.gov.au so we can provide appropriate support and guidance.

OSOM restrictions in Southern NSW

Transport for NSW are reporting that OSOM restrictions are currently in place in Southern NSW in several areas impacted by fires.

OSOM access (other than for emergency provisions) is restricted until further notice on the following roads:

• Princes Hwy (south of Nowra to Victorian border)
• Illawarra Hwy
• Kings Hwy
• Snowy Mountains Hwy
• Monaro Hwy
• Kosciuszko Rd
• Batlow Rd
• Jingellic Rd
• Alpine Way
• Braidwood Rd

OSOM vehicles and combinations operating under permit are not permitted to travel in these areas until further notice.

OSOM vehicles and combinations operating under a Notice are advised to avoid all non-essential travel in the area.

If you are unsure if your OSOM movement falls within "emergency provisions" please contact RMS Road Access Unit on 1300 656 371 prior to commencing travel.

For the latest traffic information for these areas, visit www.livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.

Emergency services work and rest hour exemption may apply if working with or under the direction of emergency services. For further information on emergency fatigue provisions, please see Bulletin 1.

Road Closures

There continues to be a significant amount of road closures across the country due to ongoing bushfires.

You can find up-to-date maps for each state at the links below:

• NSW https://bit.ly/371dXpg 
• VIC https://bit.ly/2N0VPDy 
• WA https://bit.ly/2N2U1tI
• SA https://bit.ly/2tEFL3e
• QLD https://bit.ly/2ZYfiKs
• TAS https://bit.ly/2ZWSz10
• ACT https://bit.ly/35hN0eS
• NT https://bit.ly/2QrXynt

Heavy vehicle access across bushfire affected areas.

The NHVR is experiencing a significantly increased number of permit applications. We request operators to avoid any non-essential permit applications in the coming weeks.

Heavy vehicle operators on the road should take a number of steps when accessing bushfire-affected areas.

1. Check the local road conditions through state government websites. A list of websites with the latest information about road conditions can be found below.
2. If travelling in an affected area, check with local emergency services or recovery operations.
3. Ensure your vehicle is able to travel on the existing network. If you’re travelling outside of these networks, you may need to obtain a permit through the NHVR Portal at www.service.nhvr.gov.au/ or call 1300 696 487 for assistance.
4. Ensure you have enough food and water supplies in case of unexpected conditions, and avoid using back tracks or off-network roads to get around road closures.