Practical solutions sought in East-West study

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) says there is a need to create a complete strategic transport vision for the future of Melbourne, not just an east-west solution. In its submission to the East West Link Needs Assessment Study, being conducted by Sir Rod Eddington, the VTA set its focus on the need to take the pressure off the Westgate Freeway. At present, over 60% of freight movements from the west head over the Westgate Bridge. It was the major strategic link for Melbourne, the VTA said. When Westgate stopped, Melbourne stopped. An alternative route to the Westgate Bridge would reduce pressure on the bridge. The VTA also stressed that in order to complete the Melbourne road network, a north-east link needs to come under the spotlight straight away. Philip Lovel, chief executive of the VTA, said authorities needed to approve more productive truck designs, such as the high efficiency container transporter and the cubic freight vehicle. Without these, the roads would not be able to cope with a 33% increase in trucks in the next 15 years. This could be done at virtually no cost and very quickly, the VTA said in its submission. Other initiatives the road transport lobby group suggested included encouraging working around the clock, support for &#8220zmart freight&#8221 initiatives and creating better access to freeways. Meanwhile, the Maribyrnong City Council is calling for the State Government to provide real choices for people travelling east-west by creating greater flexibility in Melbourne’s transport network. Mayor Michael Clarke said the outcome of the study was critical to the future of Maribyrnong, which was &#8220the gateway&#8221 to the western region from the Melbourne CBD and adjacent to the port of Melbourne. &#8220Our city’s proximity means we bear the brunt of growing freight traffic, commuter traffic and the associated amenity and environmental impacts,&#8221 Mr Clarke said. The idea of a tunnel built under the Melbourne CBD connecting the east to the west, may not be the best answer, he said. &#8220A range of solutions is needed &#8211 there’s no one quick fix," he said. "Transport corridors should include public transport, freight traffic and commuter traffic infrastructure that can be used in a combination of ways. &#8220For example, if there’s a traffic problem on the Westgate, commuter traffic could use a truck route as an alternative. Or at off-peak times, a designated bus lane could become a truck lane. It’s about thinking smarter about how we utilise existing transport infrastructure."

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