VicRoads is currently identifying key strategic freight routes for assessment and upgrade to cater for vehicles that exceed 68.5 tonnes
By Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | September 3, 2013
VicRoads has received six applications from transport operators to operate high productivity freight vehicles on the cubic freight network.
VicRoads Senior Policy Officer Ian Mond told the Freight Week 2013 audience today all but one application is currently being processed.
The first permit was issued to Wettenhall Logistics last month, which carries empty containers during the day and light freight at night.
The company was given access to eight of the nine routes they sought access to and has limited the speed of the trucks to 90km/h.
Mond says VicRoads is currently identifying key strategic freight routes for assessment and upgrade to cater for vehicles that exceed 68.5 tonnes.
“The key element is to ensure our bridges and pavements are protected,” he says.
“In line with that, we’re looking at ways how we can access these routes over the next 12 months – routes like Monash Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway and a more direct route to the port.
“We are looking at opening up high mass vehicles to the industry… and are also looking at upgrading the Hume [Highway] to allow heavy vehicles.”
