Higher mass limits have been given the green light on key Victorian transport corridors
VicRoads is continuing to release details of its roads and bridge assessment on Victoria’s HPFV network, with the latest results set to allow greater access for Higher Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV).
Three A-double reference vehicles are now conditionally approved to operate up to 77.5 tonnes on CityLink’s Southern Link, which includes the Burnley tunnel heading south-east on the M1.
The previous limit was 68.5 tonnes.
A-doubles up to 85.5 tonnes will now be permitted on Shepherd Bridge, which links Docklands to Footscray, thanks to the recent completion of stage 1 of the West Gate Distributor and strengthening of Sheppard Bridge.
Bridge strengthening is also continuing on the Hume Freeway.
The first of ten bridges funded for strengthening has been completed at Tallarook, increasing the approved mass for A-doubles on two of the bridges to 85.5 tonnes, up from 79 tonnes.
Neil Chambers from the Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) welcomes the news but says results are needed of further assessments on the Western Link section of CityLink.
“This is an important direct freight route for heavy vehicles accessing freight centres in the northern suburbs and regional centres such as the Goulburn Valley, Wodonga and southern NSW.”
“We welcome the continued commitment by the Victorian Government and VicRoads to assess and upgrade the Victorian road network to accommodate Higher Production Freight Vehicles at higher mass limits.”
“The use of HPFVs is so important to the future efficiency and productivity of the container transport logistics chain to and from the Port of Melbourne.”