Freight industry leaders have been briefed on the positive impacts of the West Gate Tunnel Project which is set to open later this year.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) held its annual Ministerial Breakfast on 4 June, highlighting the critical role of the West Gate Tunnel in reshaping freight movement across Victoria.
The opening of the tunnel will reportedly be able to transport four 20′ containers at their maximum mass from regions such as Altona and Derrimut to the Port of Melbourne in half the current travel time.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, delivered the keynote address at the Ministerial Breakfast.
She said the West Gate Tunnel Project will “re-shape the inner west” and “bring double digit improvements in productivity.”
Key freight productivity improvements outlined by Horne include:
Up to 13 minutes in travel-time savings between the west and the Port of Melbourne
Bypassing up to 17 sets of traffic lights, significantly reducing delays
A 50 per cent increase in road capacity on the West Gate Freeway from the M80 interchange
Express lanes from the M80 to the West Gate Bridge to streamline freight movement
Load capacity upgrades to accommodate high-productivity freight vehicles (HPFVs) of up to 110 tonnes gross on the West Gate Freeway, and of up to 160 tonnes gross in the tunnel and on key connecting roads
VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, said the West Gate Tunnel Project will increase productivity and help to meet the growing freight demands of the economy.
“The West Gate Tunnel is a pivotal advancement for transport operators in and around the Port of Melbourne,” he said.
Anderson also said that reform across the transport sector is necessary, and that statutory bodies should be working more closely with industry.
“A modernised Heavy Vehicle National Law must prioritise risk-based regulations, efficiency and flexibility for operators,” he said.
The West Gate Tunnel is set to open later this year.
In other news, Simon National Carriers has taken delivery of nine new trailers from Freighter Group.
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