Victorian Government increases road train access in the Mildura and Swan Hill areas in time for the wine grape harvest
January 16, 2012
The Victorian Government has increased road train access in the Mildura and Swan Hill areas just in time for the wine grape harvest.
Trucks can now access an arterial route of 360km, up from 60km, between Mildura, Ouyen and Robinvale.
Minister for Roads Terry Mulder says road trains offer a higher payload than other combination vehicles, with the expansion of routes providing significant productivity benefits to the local industry.
“To ensure road train operations are safe, access approval is conditional on certain vehicle safety and operating conditions being met,” Mulder says.
VicRoads has assessed the route, including the Calder Highway, Mallee Highway and other roads in the area, to ensure that the roads and bridges can be accessed by 79-tonne road trains.
“VicRoads will work with industry to ensure access is available immediately, and support the transition from short-term to long-term access conditions,” Mulder says.
Operators must obtain a permit from VicRoads to access the new route.
Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh says the extension of road train routes will benefit the local agricultural and viticultural industries.
“Regional areas provide a backbone for Victoria’s economy, with local produce being distributed nation-wide,” Walsh says.
“This extension means more efficient transport of goods and that’s good news for the industry.”