There may be occasions when an application for access for a ‘single route’ or ‘area of operation’ is not suitable for the requested heavy vehicle The following guidance is provided to Road Managers to assist in proposing alternate route(s).

For information regarding ‘single route’ and ‘area of operation’ applications’ refer to the 'Routing - Single route and area difference.'

For further guidance regarding alternate routing refer to the guidelines for granting access.

Alternate routing that does not impact another road manager

When a road manager identifies a particular section of a requested route where heavy vehicle access is not possible, road managers are encouraged to investigate the option of an alternative route to assist the operator in obtaining access.

If it is identified no other road managers will be impacted, the road manager should:

1. Plot the alternate route using the mapping tool within the NHVR Portal under the 'ROUTE MANAGEMENT' tab. Refer to the Route Planner page for more information on training and upcoming updates. 
2. Confirm the operator is happy with the alternate route by forwarding an 'INFORMATION REQUEST (IR).' This can be located in the 'CASE MANAGEMENT' tab of the application, under 'REQUESTS.'
3. Provide clear information as to why the route is required to be altered. For example, the negative impacts involved in the original route. 

Alternate routing where another road manager is impacted

The NHVR will consider an alternate route from a road manager on an active application if the following steps have been undertaken by the road manager:

1. Liaised with the operator.
2. Liaised with the road manager/s that are impacted by the alternate route.
3. Plotted the alternate route in the Route Planner.
4. Provided an explanation in an 'INFORMATION REQUEST' to the NHVR on why an alternate route is required and confirms that the impacted road manager/s and operator have been contacted and agree to the amended route.

Note: the NHVR may also assist with liaising with impacted stakeholders (customers and road managers) where an alternate route request is received to reduce delays in case processing.

Alternate routing exceptions

The NHVR may create an alternate route on a renewal or new application at the request of the road manager in the following circumstances:

• Extensive construction is occurring on a previously approved heavy vehicle route and an alternative route has been agreed to by impacted road managers.
• New infrastructure or bypasses have become available and replaced a heavy vehicle route. For example, in Queensland the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, and in New South Wales the Parkes Bypass.
• A pre-approved route is applicable to the heavy vehicle is available.
• The alternate route that has been proposed by an impacted road manager is re-routing the heavy vehicle onto a state road authorities (e.g. Transport Main Roads Qld, Transport for NSW) road network.

Note: In this instance, the NHVR will contact the state road authority to confirm suitability for the requested heavy vehicle.

• An alternate route is required due to a natural disaster in a region that has impacted heavy vehicle access.

Note: The impacted road manager should plot the alternate route in Route Planner and forward an 'INFORMATION REQUEST' to the NHVR.

Route refusal

If an alternate route is not possible, the road manager may refuse consent in accordance with section Part 4.7, Division 2, Section 156A “Deciding request for consent generally” of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

Road managers must also take into account Part 4.7, Division 2, Section 172 “Requirements for statement explaining adverse decision of road manager” of the HVNL when providing an adverse decision to an application.