Australia, Transport News

Melbourne livestock truck trial begins

A 12-month trial allowing livestock trucks to use the Domain and Burnley tunnels has commenced, with vehicles seen using the routes

Livestock trucks have started using Melbourne’s Burnley and Domain tunnels, as the 12-month trial announced in September last year gets underway.

The trial, which is being delivered in partnership with Transurban and City of Melbourne, is expected to remove up to 600 trucks off local city streets every week.

Trucks carrying livestock had previously been banned from the tunnels due to low-clearance infrastructure, but upgrades to the structures to raise the overhead height means passing through the tunnels poses no risk to the animals.

Large livestock trucks will no longer have to rely on travelling on city streets like City Road, Power Street, Olympic Boulevard and Hoddle Street for the duration of the trial.

“This trial is a win-win for our city and our freight industry,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said at the time of the trial’s announcement.

“By taking livestock trucks off inner-city streets and into the tunnels, we’re improving road safety while also keeping our freight sector moving.”

Additional signage and road markings have been added to Melbourne’s arterial roads to support the trial and help livestock truck drivers navigate new routes including the tunnels.

“The welfare of livestock – whether on farm or in transit – is important to all Victorians,” Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence says.

“Transporting livestock in the most direct and safest route will improve their wellbeing and safety.”

The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) has urged all drivers to plan their journeys and maintain safe driving practices in order to make the most of the trial, and increase the potential for the practice to be implemented full time.

“This trial marks a significant step forward in modernising livestock transportation in Victoria. By demonstrating responsibility and adherence to the rules, the industry can work toward broader access to CityLink and other key road networks, benefiting both drivers and livestock alike,” the LRTAV says.

“This initiative is designed to address key challenges faced by livestock drivers, offering benefits in animal welfare, time management, and reducing the stress and hazards associated with navigating inner-city roads.

“Historically, livestock drivers have faced delays and risks associated with traversing Melbourne’s busy streets. Allowing trucks to access the CityLink tunnels offers a more direct and smoother route.

“However, with these benefits come responsibilities to ensure the trial’s success. Strict adherence to the rules and common sense during trip planning will be essential for all participants.

“For the trial to be a success and pave the way for future access to CityLink for all livestock vehicles, drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully. Compliance with the restrictions is non-negotiable, and safety must remain a priority at all times.”

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