By NOEL MURPHY
Truck traffic will only begin clearing out of central Geelong with a “significant capital investment from the State Government”, according to deputy mayor Michelle Heagney.
“And this means the next stage of the ring road,” she told the Independent.
The proposed next stage of the ring road would link Surf Coast Hwy with eastern Geelong, giving trucks an alternative to travelling through the city centre.
City Hall began a 12-month trial banning trucks from Malop and Mercer Sts last March. But the trial prompted an outcry from residents of Ryrie and McKillop Sts as they contended with a subsequent increase in truck traffic.
Cr Heagney wanted trucks out of Ryrie and McKillop Sts as well to help the city area’s revitalisation efforts.
But she said VicRoads was the responsible authority for the four available heavy-truck routes through the city: Ryrie, McKillop and Fyans Sts and Breakwater Rd.
“To make changes, we’ve got to get VicRoads to agree and we want to support businesses on the east side of the city. We’re working with VicRoads on how to utilise the best road networks to support those businesses and jobs that rely on truck movements as well as supporting residents.”
Regional director William Tieppo said VicRoads was awaiting data from City Hall monitoring of vehicle and transport movements through Geelong.
VicRoads would use the information “to inform an economic assessment on the different options, including the impacts on the transport industry, commercial activities and the local community,“ he said.
“At this stage it’s too early to draw conclusions about the longer-term solutions for alternative east-west freight movements.“
