Strathbogie Shire challenges West Gate Tunnel by imposing weight limits on local roads
Strathbogie Shire has declared war on a controversial plan to send West Gate Tunnel trucks through their local roads, with a new weight limit to effectively ban the movement of the project’s vital concrete segments in their area.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A rural council has declared war on a controversial plan to send West Gate Tunnel trucks through their streets, with a new weight limit to effectively ban the movement of the project’s vital concrete segments in their area.
It comes after the Herald Sun revealed hundreds of the concrete pieces, built at Benalla for the $6.7 billion project, would have to move at a snail’s pace through Longwood and Locksley because of a planning bungle.
Rail tracks built specifically at Benalla cannot handle the weight of the 160-tonne “superloads” and trucks must detour around a road bridge on the Princes Freeway for the same reason.
Residents have railed against the proposal, which could see the massive loads travelling 25km/h passing their homes at least five times a week over two years.
In an escalation of the dispute, Strathbogie Shire has imposed a 70-tonne limit on the roads the West Gate Tunnel project needs and called for more consultation.
The move means the trucks may not be able to get to Melbourne without taking a significant and lengthy detour
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said the council wanted a Memorandum of Understanding with the project before it would allow the superloads to pass through.
She said she wanted agreements for maintenance of the roads along with more details on when and how often the trucks would arrive.
“This ensures our ratepayers are not burdened by the costs associated with significant damage to our road infrastructure,” Ms McClaren said.
“We acknowledge this project is of state significance … However, we are extremely disappointed with the time frames imposed and the lack of engagement with our community.
“These load limits will continue until an MOU can be signed off and community consultation has occurred.”
Negotiations are ongoing and no permits have been granted to allow the trucks to travel through the area, with further meetings scheduled for later this month.
“Following meetings with community members and Strathbogie Council, CPB-John Holland and the Department of Transport are continuing to look at options to get these segments from Benalla to the West Gate Tunnel project site,” a government spokesman said.
MORE NEWS
PARLIAMENT CLOSED AFTER GUARD INFECTED
BIZARRE SCENES AS PROTESTERS STORM QUEEN VIC MARKET