By Oliver Lees
Hi-Quality Group has submitted its proposed route for transporting contaminated soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project to its site in Bulla.
In June, Transurban and builder CPB-John Holland signed a contract to commence building Hi-Quality’s facility at Sunbury Road, which will receive and treat the soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Due to the volume of truck movements involved in the relocation project (up to 429 trucks per day), the route which these B-Double trucks will take has been a point of concern discussed at Hume council and among the community.
In a statement sent to Star Weekly last week, a Hi-Quality spokesperson confirmed the company had sent its traffic management plan to the Department of Transport for approval.
“The plan outlines a primary route from the West Gate Tunnel Project Pivot site through Footscray to CityLink, and then onto M2 Tullamarine Freeway and C743 Sunbury Road,” the spokesperson said.
“The plan also outlines additional routes which may be used in the event of an emergency. The use of these routes would be at the direction of emergency services if and when required.
“All traffic routes have been selected based on key criteria, including to minimise travel time and distance; utilising approved arterial roads (with B-Double capability) as assessed and agreed with VicRoads; avoiding routes that include travel through residential areas or sensitive receptors where possible; and avoiding anticipated road work zones.”
The spokesperson also confirmed that Bulla-Diggers Rest Road does not form part of Hi-Quality’s traffic management plan.
Sunbury Against Toxic Soil Facebook group administrator Chris O’Neill said the community deserves to see major infrastructure developments in Bulla to accommodate the extra traffic and increase safety.
“When you’ve got everyone saying that there will be a fatal accident caused by this project, that tells you that this is not the right route,” he said.
“There needs to be some road safety measures at the bottom of Bulla Bridge, improved road infrastructure and installation of ‘no engine braking’ signs.
“I just want to see our community returned something tangible.”
