Last-minute hitch on Mackenzie Road extension

Staff WriterJanuary 31, 2005, 12:00 amJanuary 31, 2005

Last-minute works are being carried out on the long-awaited extension to Mackenzie Road to link it directly into Footscray Road and Sims Street, a move that will radically improve access into the western side of the port of Melbourne and Coode Island. Victorian transport minister Peter Batchelor said on Friday (January 28) the road would be opened for the weekend, but Lloyd’s List DCN understands that the opening may be delayed until this Friday (February 4) to allow for minor works to be completed. Port access would be significantly improved, with the creation of the new road that feeds directly into the port without the impediment of railway crossings, Mr Batchelor said. "This important link will generate significant improvements in supply chain efficiencies and reduce the costs of moving freight in and out of the port, particularly rail freight," he said. Mr Batchelor said over the past decade the number of containers transported by rail hads grown by more than 200%. The project will help P&#38O’s rail operations, and assist the State Government to reach its target of transferring 30% of port-related freight to rail by 2010, he said. The Port of Melbourne Corporation provided $5.5m to undertake the road works, with P&#38O undertaking complimentary works to improve access to its terminals. Lloyd’s List DCN tried to contact the corporation and P&#38O Ports this morning (Monday, January 31) but neither was available before press time. Neil Chambers, industry services director for the Victorian Transport Association, said the association will seek talks with P&#38O Ports and the PoMC regarding the closure of Coode Road west of Dock Link Road. "We have no updated information from P&#38O Ports on this issue further to the previous briefings about future terminal layout plans which we discussed with P&#38O last year," Mr Chambers said. "However, we will ensure that this is a standing agenda item for the VTA general freight committee as we move forward in the early part of this year."