City probing new Lara truck route

Andrew Mathieson
LARA could have another new truck route to divert heavy traffic from clogged residential roads, according to the town’s new councillor.
Cameron Granger said an alternative rural east-west route was a “possible future option”.
Cr Granger revealed the potential route after ongoing complaints in the Independent from residents about council last year redirecting trucks along busy Forrest and Station Lake roads.
Council introduced the route to stop trucks cutting across suburban Lara streets to save time between Bacchus Marsh Road and the Princes Highway.
Cr Granger said the potential east-west route would run along Windermere and McIntyres roads.
However, the route would require upgrade works to handle truck traffic.
“The present condition of this route means it is not currently suitable for heavy vehicles,” he said.
City Hall was investigating the alternative route and pursuing potential funding avenues to pay for the upgrade, he said.
Last week Lara householders told the Independent they had to walk just metres from trucks on Forest and Station Lake roads because they had no footpaths.
However, Cr Granger said City officers had declared the route safe.
City Hall pointed out Vicroads had control over most of the existing truck route.
Cr Granger said the public had given “positive” feedback on recent improvements to pedestrian safety at Lara’s busy six-ways intersection.
“In the past residents of Curletts Road had complained to council about trucks using the road and, as a result, a ban has been placed on trucks using this road as a through-way,” he said.
The Geelong branch of the Transport Workers Union said a Corio Police operation had nabbed 14 interstate drivers still using suburban Curletts and Walkers roads.
Union Geelong organiser Ron Fountain backed the existing route despite residents’ safety fears.
Mr Fountain believed union members would also be willing to consider other “viable” options.