Truck carrying wind turbine gets stuck under Mount Crosby Bridge closing Warrego Highway
A major Queensland highway could remain closed for days after a truck carrying half of a wind turbine collided with a bridge.
The Warrego Highway is closed westbound at the Mount Crosby Bridge near Ipswich, west of Brisbane, after the crash about 1:40am on Friday.
The Queensland Police Service said its initial investigation revealed the truck failed to follow pilot vehicles and escorting vehicles up an off-ramp.
"The truck has continued westbound on the Warrego Highway and struck the bridge," a Queensland police spokesperson said.
"The driver of the truck, a man in his 50s, was transported to Ipswich Hospital for further assessment."
Police said drivers were being urged to avoid the area, with lengthy delays expected.
Logistics company Qube Holdings, whose vehicle was carrying the turbine part, said it was cooperating with authorities and the "exact" circumstances leading up to the incident were under investigation.
The Warrego Highway at Mount Crosby Bridge could remain closed for several days. (Supplied: TMR)
"Fortunately, no injuries were sustained and Qube was able to deploy specialist equipment to support the recovery effort,"a spokesperson said.
The Warrego Highway is the major connecting road between Brisbane and western parts of the state, including Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley and Maranoa regions.
Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said crews were on-site undertaking structural inspections to determine the extent of the damage.
"Safety is our priority, and the road will only be reopened after these thorough bridge inspections are complete, and it is safe to do so," a TMR spokesperson said.
Delays expected, help on-site
Road users have been encouraged to check QLDTraffic before travelling, with traffic control and warning signs now in place.
The ABC understands the highway could remain closed for several days, if not longer, due to structural damage to the bridge.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said TMR confirmed to her that structural engineers assessed the bridge to ensure it remained stable during removal works, which could begin as early as tonight.
Long delays are expected, and road users are encouraged to check online before any travel. (Supplied: TMR)
Ms Harding confirmed TMR's priority was to reopen the westbound highway lanes as soon as possible, pending damage repairs to the concrete girders and the pavements under the structure.
She said the turbine was currently acting as a prop and must be removed with extreme care and between three and five heavy tow trucks may be used to attempt removal of the wedged turbine tower.
Qube is leading the removal operation, working closely with TMR engineers — more of which are arriving this evening to support operations — to ensure no further bridge damage is caused.
Police said westbound traffic was being diverted onto the Mount Crosby Road exit with the Mount Crosby Bridge also closed in both directions.
The eastbound lane of the Warrego Highway remains open at this stage.