| VicRoads presents transport vision |
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VicRoads’ South Western Regional Director, Robin Miles and Manager Program Development, William Tieppo made a valuable presentation about the transport vision for the Geelong region at January's G21 Board Meeting. The presentation covered anticipated population growth in the region and the planned responses to that growth, including road planning and projects that are in the Victorian Transport Plan and bids for road planning funds for 2010/11. The development of the Geelong Ring Road was discussed at some length, including the anticipated benefits of the completion of Section 4A to Anglesea Road, which will occur later this year. The timing and routes of future connections to the Princes Highway West (Section 4B) and Surfcoast Highway (Section 4C) were presented and longer term plans for connections to Armstrong Creek and the Bellarine Peninsula were also discussed. VicRoads' role in infrastructure planning for Armstrong Creek was outlined, along with plans for upgrading the Midland Highway to Bannockburn and Princes Highway West through to the South Australian border. The board then heard how the proposed Port road and rail improvements will improve freight access to Heales Road Industrial Estate and other industrial areas, while also complementing the Norlane Urban Renewal Program. Discussion around the challenge of improving the links to Melbourne included an update on the current West Gate Bridge works that are scheduled for completion at the end of 2011 and the freeway management system which should be implemented towards the end of 2010. Both these initiatives are expected to significantly improve traffic flow in the area. Longer term initiatives, such as the provision of new and upgraded freight linkages to the Port of Melbourne and tunnel alternatives to the West Gate Bridge were also discussed. Robin Miles noted that it was important to consider that it was only 35 years ago that the Williamstown punt was the primary access method. The changes that have occurred since then give us an idea of how much we can expect it to change over the next 35 years. The comprehensive presentation concluded with discussion of road maintenance and climate change issues. Robin Miles stressed that VicRoads are committed to working with G21 municipal planners and Pillars towards the delivery of the transport vision. He announced that in coming weeks they would be forming a steering group comprised of representatives from the G21 Transport Pillar, the G21 Sport & Recreation Pillar, G21 Councils and bicycle associations to look specifically at the issue of bike paths and trails in the G21 region. Click here to see the VicRoads Transport Vision presentation. |
