Livestock trucks diverted from Southbank streets through inner-city tunnels in ‘game-changer’ move

Trucks carrying live animals have begun travelling through Melbourne’s inner-city tunnels as part of a trial to keep them off suburban streets after a crash in which more than 20 animals died.

Hundreds of livestock trucks have begun travelling through Melbourne’s two inner-city tunnels as part of a trial to get the vehicles off suburban streets.

The change means fewer heavy vehicles driving through Southbank streets during the busy Australian Open fortnight.

The congestion, effluent and noise caused by the livestock traffic along Power St and City Rd has been a problem for several years, with Lord Mayor Nick Reece first raising concerns in 2019.

But the problem became more urgent last July when a truck carrying 75 dairy cows and calves slammed into a 4m rail bridge in South Yarra, killing more than 20 animals.

A truck carrying cattle slams into a bridge in South Yarra. Picture: Farm Transparency Project

Alina Hawkins, chief operating officer of the Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria, described the trial through the Burnley and Domain Tunnels as a “game changer’’ and that no problems had been reported in the first 10 days.

“This is a significant step forward for improving animal welfare, as the tunnel will likely reduce the stress and risks associated with transporting animals,’’ Ms Hawkins said.

“It’s beneficial for driver time management, as it can lead to more efficient routes, saving time and reducing stress for drivers.’’

The trial is for 12 months but will be assessed by Transurban and the transport industry throughout the year.

HGVs transporting livestock along City Rd. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Reece hailed the trial as a great result for the community.

“Getting cattle trucks off City Rd is a win for common sense and a win for Southbank,’’ he said. “We can now start to see safer and cleaner streets under this 12-month trial. Livestock trucks do not belong on local roads.”

“Southbank is our most densely populated neighbourhood and City Rd carries up to 1500 heavy trucks per day.”

Transurban Group Executive Australian Markets Nicole Green said safety was the company’s highest priority.

“This trial allowing livestock carriers to use the Burnley and Domain Tunnels will enhance route efficiency while ensuring the safety and welfare of both motorists and animals.”

The livestock truck trial began on January 1 after Transurban, the government, the city council and the transport industry established the trial.

A cattle truck stuck in traffic on City Rd.

About 600 livestock trucks are expected to be diverted off inner-city streets every week.

The trial became possible after upgrades to both tunnels to accommodate most livestock carriers. And agricultural vehicle changes also helped reduce the risk of damage.

Southbank Residents Association president Tony Penna said the trial was a step in the right direction.

“Every truck we remove from City Rd is a good thing,’’ he said.

Works were carried out to make the intersection of Power St and City Rd safer.

But Mr Penna said it was still unclear if every driver or operator would pay the fee for using the tunnel or save money by taking the long way through Southbank.

The intersection of Power St and City Rd has long been an accident black spot with $3.8m of changes made in 2023 after a horror crash almost two years earlier.