The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) says some companies are considering "danger allowances" for drivers transporting goods on the Bruce Highway.

The warning comes after a spate of fatal crashes in the past week, including a truck and ute collision on Friday morning.

The truck, which was carrying 42 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, exploded and left a large crater on the highway.

The driver of the ute died at the scene and the 47-year-old truck driver was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition.

QTA chief executive Tony Mahon said he was very concerned about the safety of the highway.

"There is talk from some of the fleets [of] having to apply a danger allowance for drivers on the Bruce," he said.

"We're hoping most of our drivers that use the Bruce will stay on that route, but there is ever increasing concern about the conditions and the risk of driving that highway, particularly at night.

"It's a living that already has its dangers … [drivers] know those roads like the back of their hand and their concerns are increasing."

Remedial work underway

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said the highway north of Bororen remained closed but it was working to open at least one lane by midnight on Tuesday.

"Depending on damage assessment and the completion of remediation work, two lanes of access may be possible," a spokesperson said.

Queensland Police handed the site to TMR on Sunday morning and the department said "significant" progress had been made in the removal of contaminated material.

The department said three large trees damaged by the blast posed a safety risk and would be removed.

"Trenches have been excavated along the Bruce Highway within the blast zone in order to test pavement," TNR said.

"Ground-penetrating radar testing commenced Sunday afternoon and continued into Sunday night."

Provisions are in place for emergency and school bus services.

Upgrade commitments

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish is travelling to the site this morning and says the state government will continue to push to change the funding model for the highway from a 50-50 federal and state split to an 80-20 split.

On ABC Radio Brisbane this morning he said he had not driven the entirety of the 1,679-kilometre Bruce Highway, but had been to "many sections".

"Every time I've been up to a section on the Bruce Highway we've been announcing money for that section," Mr Mellish said.

"We are absolutely committed to getting more and more investment in the Bruce Highway, we are absolutely committed to upgrading sections of this road."

He said it would not be possible in the immediate future to upgrade the entire highway to four lanes.

"I've always felt safe travelling on the highway, but I know there are challenges in many sections," Mr Mellish said.

Burnett Highway warning

On Sunday morning a 53-year-old man died in a crash on the Burnett Highway, which is being used as a heavy vehicle detour.

Mr Mahon said the incident led to the closure of the Burnett Highway for about eight hours.

"That'll have an affect over the next little while on how supply chains are working in the north, particularly, but also product goods and a variety of other materials that come south as well," Mr Mahon said.

He said some drivers were opting to detour through Toowoomba and Dalby.

"The Burnett Highway is not appealing to many either," Mr Mahon said.

He said he had heard reports that driver behaviour on the Burnett detour had been "appalling", particularly from car drivers overtaking.

North Burnett Mayor Les Hotz said motorists needed to consider the varying condition of road.

"Our road is in a poor state," he said.

"The Burnett Highway is narrow and does not have passing lanes and so it's so important for people to know they've got to be patient and travel at the speed of the traffic and the trucks."

'Not driving to conditions'

Monto resident Jeanette Lamb said she witnessed a number of near misses on local roads.

"It's a pretty constant stream, but now we're getting people who don't regularly use the A3 and they're really not driving to conditions," she said.

"I'm watching trucks coming in and not knowing that to cross the bridge in our town it's two 90-degree turns."

Monto business owner Jenny Forsyth was also concerned about driver behaviour, but said the detour was bringing in customers.

"It just been flat out — great for a business point of view, mayhem for some aspects of it," Ms Forsyth said.

"Lots of people had no idea that Monto existed and are very surprised at what we've got to offer, so they're taking a little bit extra time.