Trucks accessing EastLink are being blamed for clogging up roads and causing excessive noise levels
By Brad Gardner | April 16, 2010
Truck drivers using Melbourne’s EastLink motorway are being blamed for clogging up arterial roads and causing excessive noise levels.
Kilsyth Liberal MP David Hodgett used parliamentary proceedings this week to accuse heavy vehicles of making a “considerable nuisance” by using arterial roads to access EastLink.
Hodgett says there has been a surge in traffic levels on Mount Dandenong Road, the Maroondah Highway and Canterbury Road.
“Such volumes of traffic, particularly heavy vehicle movements, have increased noise levels, which are causing residents living along these roads considerable nuisance,” Hodgett says.
“I have met with a number of residents about this matter and about increased traffic congestion and increased noise levels, particularly caused by heavy trucks at night.”
He says Maroondah residents have also complained to their councillors, prompting a request to VicRoads to review traffic volumes and traffic classifications of vehicles using arterial routes.
The road department has also been asked to review noise levels and the speed limit along Mount Dandenong Road.
“I strongly support the advocacy efforts of the Maroondah City Council in these matters…,” Hodgett says.
During his speech, Hodgett claimed the level of traffic was causing congestion and lengthy delays during peak periods. VicRoads says it is monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas says the Brumby Government is investing heavily in Victoria’s arterial road network.
“We have invested $7.7 billion in upgrading arterial road connections right throughout Victoria since coming to government, and that investment continues,” he told parliament.
Pallas also expects the Yarra Glen truck bypass to open to two-way traffic next week.