Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has been selected as one of the first Councils in Australia to be involved in a project that will assist with improving heavy vehicle access on local government roads.
Council will participate in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulators (NHVR) Strategic Local Government Assessment Project (SLGAAP) with TRC Infrastructure Committee Chair Carol Taylor pleased to be involved in the project which is aimed at improving heavy vehicle productivity across the local government road network.
"This is an exciting project which will not only be beneficial to our Council, but to all local governments across Australia," Cr Taylor said.
"Agriculture is the backbone of our Region, with a high number of heavy vehicles using our local road network on a daily basis. By being a part of this project, we will be able to develop more effective ways of managing our road network which is a great outcome for everyone."
As part of the project, the Australian Government has provided grant funding to the NHVR to assist local governments with decision making relating to heavy vehicle access.
The NHVR has commenced the SLGAAP to undertake a review of key heavy vehicle routes and deliver a program of local government road asset (bridges and culverts) assessments to assist with improving heavy vehicle access.
"As part of Council's involvement, we were asked to submit a number of structures for consideration," Cr Taylor said.
"The 10 Council bridge and culvert locations accepted for assessment under the initial phase included Griffiths Street, Bowenville-Moola Road, Clifton-Pittsworth Road, Melrose Road and Blanchview Road, along with five other locations.
"From here, the NHVR will consult with local governments and heavy vehicle operators to refine bridge assessment methodology, identify key freight routes and review existing information availability to decide on what approach the project will take to deliver best value.
"The outcome from the project will be a final report with recommendations for potential improvements or replacements of infrastructure to further enhance heavy vehicle productivity."
Council thanks the Australian Government and NHVR for undertaking this initiative.
