During 2007-2008 VicRoads undertook a ‘Freight Linkages Study’ which examined existing freight links between the Geelong Ring Road and Heales Road Industrial Estate to the Port of Geelong.
The Freight Linkages Study was undertaken by VicRoads, with a Steering Group comprising senior representatives from Geelong Port P/L, the City of Greater Geelong, the former Department of Infrastructure and the Freight Industry formed to oversee the study. Consultants GHD and Meyrick were engaged to assist with this task.
The Freight Linkages Study investigated short term improvements required on existing roads providing linkages between the Geelong Ring Road and the Port of Geelong. The study also considered long term needs for linkages between the Port, the Geelong Ring Road, Heales Road industrial estate and any future intermodal terminal for the region. These issues were considered in light of future transport issues identified in the Port of Geelong; Port Land Use Strategy (PLUS).
A key element of the Freight Linkages Study was an extensive stakeholder consultation phase, particularly with Geelong Port and port users, whereby the importance of the Port of Geelong to the local, regional and state economies was quantified.
The Study was completed in May 2008.
There is good direct access between the Port of Geelong and Melbourne, utilising either the Princes Freeway/Princes Highway, Station Street and St Georges Road, or the Princes Freeway and Bayside Main Road (Shell Road).
Freight from South Western Victoria is expected to use the Geelong Ring Road to access the port. Extensive stakeholder consultation indicates that trucks are expected to use either Cox Road or Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road, both of which are arterial roads. The study recommended that Bacchus Marsh Road be recognised as the main route from the Geelong Ring Road to the port. Part of Bacchus Marsh Road is duplicated and there is an excellent opportunity, given the wide road reservation, access management via service roads and separation from residential properties, to extend the duplication north to the Geelong Ring Road in the short to medium term, as warranted by increased traffic volumes.
Whilst Cox Road will provide a support function to Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road for access to the port, this route is less attractive to heavy vehicles due to the geometry of the Princes Highway West / Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road / Cox Road intersection.
Existing access to the Heales Road estate from Geelong Bacchus Marsh Road, Broderick Road and the Princes Freeway/Forest Road off/on ramps is adequate for current levels of development. The existing road network has capacity to cater for projected future growth of traffic from the south west. The Geelong Ring Road project includes provision for future access ramps oriented towards Melbourne at Broderick Road, which will support future capacity needs between the Heales Road industrial area and Melbourne.
Geelong Bacchus Marsh Road and Bayside Main Road (Shell Road) have been identified as the key port freight routes for future planning.
The Geelong Freight Linkages Study included an extensive stakeholder consultation phase, particularly with Geelong Port and port users, whereby the importance of the Port of Geelong to the local, regional and state economies was quantified. Detailed submissions to the study were received from Geelong Port P/L, City of Greater Geelong and the Department of Infrastructure and these have been incorporated into the study report.
Geelong Freight Linkages Study - Summary Report - May 2008 [DOC, 2.5MB]
Appendix 1 Locality Plan [PDF, 180KB]
Appendix 2 Port Access Plans
Appendix 3 Consultation [PDF, 21KB]
Appendix 4 Proposed Actions [PDF, 1.5MB]
Phone: VicRoads South Western Regional Office on 5225 2525
(during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm)