What is the Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based Scheme?

The Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based Scheme (the Scheme) provides heavy vehicle operators the ability to transport concrete pipes transversely up to 2.65m wide via a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) permit.

Eligible vehicles under the Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based scheme

To be eligible to participate in the Scheme, the vehicle must be a:

1. rigid truck, or
2. a rigid truck and trailer combination, or
3. a prime mover towing a semitrailer, or
4. an eligible B-double of the National Class 2 B-double Authorisation Notice.

Dimension conditions under the Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based Scheme

An eligible vehicle must not exceed the maximum dimensions summarised in Table 1.

Mass limits under the Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based Scheme

The default mass limits provided by the scheme are General Mass Limits (GML).

GML applies to all heavy vehicles and is the stated allowable mass for a heavy vehicle axle group, unless the vehicle is operating under an accreditation or an exemption under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

General mass requirements apply mass limits for the following:

• those specified by the vehicle manufacturer
• individual axles and axle groups
• individual components (vehicles and trailers)
• the combination, including as determined by axle spacing requirements.

A summary of mass requirements is available on the NHVR website at Mass and dimensions.

Loading requirements and loading performance standards

Loading requirements and loading performance standards are legislated under Schedule 7 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation (MDL Regulations).

For information on loading requirements, refer to Loading | NHVR.

Road and travel conditions under the Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based Scheme

Schedule 8 conditions

The following Schedule 8 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation conditions apply to the eligible vehicle operating under the Scheme as though it is a Class 1 oversize heavy vehicle:

• Warning signs – Oversize signs
• Warning lights (at night) - Flashing warning light, side marker lights
• Headlights on (always)
• Warning flags
• No travelling if low visibility
• Assessing route for suitability.

Additional information can be viewed on Schedule 8 - Conditions applying to Class 1 heavy vehicles | NHVR

Speed conditions

The maximum permitted speed limit for an eligible vehicle is the lesser of:

• 90km/h, or
• the posted speed limit, or
• manufacturers ratings.

Conditions of Operations Database

The TMR Conditions of Operation Database lists the changes and updates to road conditions in Queensland. You are required to check the Conditions of Operations Database before commencing your journey for additional conditions.

A driver can present either a hard copy or an electronic form to an authorised officer for routes/roads being used. Electronic documents must be presented on a device with a visual display that enables an authorised officer to read and understand all elements of the document, without the authorised officer having to enter the vehicle. Both the operator and driver are responsible for checking the Conditions of Operation Database before any trip.

Temporary road closure conditions

The eligible vehicles movements can be affected by temporary road closures or mass conditions. The driver and operator of the eligible vehicle must be aware of, and comply with, any temporary road closure or conditions for the proposed time of travel. Temporary conditions are available on the QLD Traffic website, or by downloading the QLD Traffic app or by contacting 13 19 40. The QLD Traffic website will list the road conditions until the road conditions are removed by the road manager.

Convoy conditions

An eligible vehicle under the scheme is not permitted to operate in convoy formation.

An eligible vehicle must drive 200m behind another oversized vehicle unless on a multi-lane road or a road in a built-up area.

Restricted motorways, tunnels, and roads

An eligible vehicle is not permitted on the following roads:

• Pacific Motorway (South-east Freeway and Riverside Expressway) north of the Gateway Arterial Road intersection, or
• Western Arterial Rd from Mount Coot-Tha Rd and Milton Rd roundabout, Toowong to Stafford Rd, Everton Park. Including: (Frederick St, Rouen Rd, Boundary Rd, Kaye St, MacGregor Terrace, Jubilee Terrace, Elimatta Drive, Stewart Rd, Wardell St, South Pine Rd), or
• Airport Link Tunnel, or
• Legacy Way Tunnel, or
• Clem 7 (North-South bypass) Tunnel.

City of Brisbane and other cities/towns peak hour time travel restrictions

An eligible vehicle must not be driven in a location on a day and time as shown in Table 2.

Burdekin River Bridge (Bruce Highway), time travel restrictions

An eligible vehicle must not be driven in a location on a day and time as shown in Table 3.

Note: An eligible vehicle can travel on the Burdekin River Bridge (Bruce Highway) outside the day and times listed, provided they comply with access conditions in the Queensland excess mass and dimension Conditions of Operation Database.

Holiday conditions

An eligible vehicle must not be driven during a holiday period on a road on a day or time listed in Table 4.

Night travel

An eligible vehicle must not exceed the maximum width provided in Table 5 when travelling at nighttime.

Queensland route conditions

Road width and lane requirements

To operate under the Scheme, a state-controlled road minimum lane width of 3.0m on two-lane two-way roads is required. Road width and lane requirements ensure the eligible vehicle does not encroach onto another lane.

Single routes

Eligible vehicle access under the Scheme will be considered on a specific single route (point to point) assessment for each permit application.

Note: B-doubles measuring 19m or less (general access) can apply for a single route anywhere in Queensland. For B-doubles exceeding 19m, the single route application must consist of state-controlled roads that are approved under the Queensland Type 1 road train network.

A single trip is defined as one specified trip on a single route, which may include a return journey.

More information can be found on Routing - Single route and area difference.

Refer to the How to apply section of the scheme for instructions on beginning your NHVR permit application.

How to apply

To begin your permit application, navigate to . If you are not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.

Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tab and select the ‘NEW APPLICATION’ button and enter a reference for your application. So we can correctly identify your application, your reference/application nickname should be 'QLD Concrete Pipes policy'.

Note: Where you have an existing permit for an eligible configuration, select the ‘AMEND' application button, which will require the permit number to be entered. Follow the prompts to add the additional routes required. So we can correctly identify your application, ensure you amend and reference the application nickname to 'QLD concrete Pipes Policy'.

Step 1 - Click the green ‘SELECT CONFIGURATION’ button and select the 'Miscellaneous Configurations' menu drop-down. Select one of the relevant configurations from the list:

• Rigid truck loaded with concrete pipes transversely (Up to 12.5m long and 2.65m wide); or
• Prime mover/semi-trailer loaded with concrete pipes transversely (Up to 19m long and 2.65m wide); or
• B-Double loaded with concrete pipes transversely (Up to 26m long and 2.65m wide).

Step 2 - Once the correct configuration is selected, click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions.' The vehicle type will require the following vehicle details:

• 'OSOM type' - select 'Oversize (OS)'
• unladen and laden dimensions - (as per Table 1)
• unladen and laden mass limits - (as per the mass limits stipulated above)
• 'Load type' - select 'Divisible'
• 'Permit schemes' - input "Queensland Concrete Pipes Permit-Based Scheme"
• VIN and registration details

In the component images, you must tick the box ☐ "I confirm selection of the correct component" prior to proceeding to the ‘Travel details’ section of the application.

These details are required for the road manager to assess your application.

Step 3 - In the ‘Travel details’ section, enter the requested period (the period cannot exceed three years). Input the freight being carried under the 'Description of load', as "Transversely Loaded Concrete Pipes". 

Step 4 - Navigate to the ‘Route’ section of the application. Select the ‘Route type' as 'Single Route'. Eligible vehicle access under the Scheme will be considered on a specific single route (point to point) assessment for each permit application.

• Plot the route(s) required.
• Select the ‘CONFIRM’ tab and add any additional information in the ‘Route notes’ section in support of your application. You must tick the box ☐ 'I confirm that the list of roads and associated route notes accurately defines my route requirements for this application' prior to proceeding to the next step of the application. 

Step 5 - In the 'Attachments' section of the application, attach any required supporting documents or additional information.

Step 6 - The 'Additional instructions' section allows the nomination of an approved NHVR Go member of your account (if you will not be the relevant contact for the application). Include any additional instructions required for the application.

Step 7 - In the 'Confirmation' stage ensure all details of the application have been reviewed and confirmed. The application can then be submitted with the appropriate payment.

For more information on applying for a permit, refer to the NHVR access permit applications webpage, or contact us. 

Related schemes

A related scheme may coincide with another jurisdiction's scheme or provide alternatives for operators to find the appropriate access to operate.