Livestock trial commences through Citylink tunnels

Livestock trial commences through Citylink tunnels

A 12-month trial has begun that will help remove cattle trucks from Southbank streets by allowing them to use the Burnley and Domain tunnels.

As first reported by Southbank News in September, the trial, which began on January 1, means that large livestock trucks no longer have to rely on travelling along busy local streets, including City Rd, Power St, Olympic Boulevard, and Hoddle St. The initiative has been delivered in partnership between the state government, the City of Melbourne and Transurban.

According to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, the trial will help remove up to 600 trucks from city streets each week, which she called a “win-win” for both the city and the freight industry.

Livestock trucks had previously been banned from the tunnels due to low-clearance infrastructure, but trucks can now pass through without risking the safety of animals, thanks to recent upgrades that raised the overhead infrastructure.

To support the trial, additional signage and road markings are being added on arterial roads, helping livestock truck drivers navigate the busy city freeways more easily.

Southbank Residents’ Association (SRA) president Tony Pennax said that while this was a “big win” for the Southbank community, it didn’t go far enough.

With truck drivers still having the option to drive along City Rd, Mr Penna said that it wasn’t a “foolproof” solution to the issue SRA had long campaigned on.

Since the trial began, Mr Penna said he had still seen cattle trucks drive through Southbank and would like to see stricter measures in place to ensure that the roads became safer. 

As part of the trial, a suite of restrictions have been placed on the truck drivers, including not allowing goats and taller animals on the top deck. In the event that over-height warning lights are triggered, a detour must be taken.

“For the trial to be a success and pave the way for future access to Citylink for all livestock vehicles, drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully,” a Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) spokesperson said. 

“This trial marks a significant step forward in modernising livestock transportation in Victoria. By demonstrating responsibility and adherence to the rules, the LRTAV can work toward broader access to Citylink and other key road networks, benefiting all members.” •

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