TWO main truck access routes to Warrnambool’s western industrial area are deteriorating.
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A report presented to city councillors on Monday night said Rooneys Road and Walsh Road were suffering extensive cracking and needed major repairs to ensure long-term operation of large higher-mass vehicles.
“They should not be subjected to higher loads without first being rehabilitated and strengthened, either with council funds or grant funds,” city infrastructure director Peter Robertson said.
“There are a number of other roads that council issues approval for use on a permit basis for limited operation of B-double and higher-mass vehicles.
“It is intended the status quo remains on these roads.”
Higher-mass vehicles which weigh up to 68 tonnes need permits to use the city’s roads, apart from Drummond and Lindsay streets in Dennington leading to the Fonterra dairy factory, Caramut Road and Princes Highway. However, there are fewer restrictions for B-double trucks.
On Monday night councillors added three more roads to approved routes for B-double trucks carrying freight for the abattoir and waste transfer stations.
Braithwaite Street from Rooneys Road to Harrington Road, Harrington Road from Braithwaite Street to Chatham Court and Giffen Street from Walsh Road to the waste transfer station have been added to the list.
Mr Robertson said permits were required for higher-mass vehicles in case there were road failures.
“Permits are also required for B-doubles on non-approved routes.
Cr Rob Askew said the council was protecting itself in the event of heavy trucks causing road damage.
“It’s important we don’t have ongoing costs associated with damage from higher-mass vehicles,” Cr Askew said.
Mr Robertson said B-double and higher-mass trucks caused less damage overall to road networks than semi-trailers, were more efficient in carrying freight and subject to higher safety standards.
However, in Warrnambool there was a “last mile” restriction on access of extra-heavy trucks into the industrial estate, he said.