Flood barriers and signs

Queensland experiences hot summers with heavy rainfall. This can cause flooding and roads can be cut off or washed away.

If you drive in an area that has been affected by flooding, plan ahead and make alternative arrangements so you can avoid flooded roads - signs will warn you of the roads that are unsafe to use. Even if the floodwater has subsided, the road may not to be safe to use.

If you ignore these signs, you may be fined.

Read what happens when flood waters subside.

Flood signs

Restricted road use notices

Restricted road use notices limit the use of the road.

Image of a restricted road use sign that restricts the use of the road by weight This sign limits the use of the road by weight—only vehicles weighing less than 5 tonnes can use the road. The weight limit will change depending on how damaged the road is.
Image of a restricted road use sign that closes the roads because of flooding. This sign means that the road is temporarily closed to all traffic.

You can get approval to drive past this sign for special reasons—but if you use a restricted road when you shouldn't, you can be fined.

No entry signs

Image of a no entry sign that temporarily closes the road because of flooding. This sign means the road is temporarily closed to all traffic. This may be because the road is damaged or flooded.
Image of a road closed sign The road closed sign is used at a temporary road closure to show that the road is closed.
Image of a sign warning that the road ahead is closed The road closed ahead sign is used to warn that you will be coming up to a temporary road closure.
Image of a temporary sign that indicates there is water over a road ahead The water over the road sign shows you that there is water over a road ahead—but the road can still be used by vehicles and traffic can still pass with care and attention.

Alternative route signs

Image of a sign showing that the road ahead is flooded and what the alternative route is These signs can be used to show an alternative route if a road ahead is closed or flooded.
Image of a sign showing that the road ahead is closed and what the alternative route is