A National Road Transport Association CEO Warren Clark has applauded Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) Infrastructure Priority List for its potential to tackle congestion for the freight industry. Following the release of the “High Priority Projects” list, in which 5 out of six were aimed at reducing urban congestion, Mr Clark welcomed the projects because they would address congestion, a problem he said is putting pressure on the road freight network and negatively impacting safety.

“Urban congestion is an increasing threat to our industry and congestion on our roads not only puts pressure on the productivity of our road freight network but also has serious impacts on the safety of our roads,” he says. “Investment in appropriate road infrastructure is especially vital in light of recent concerns regarding heavy vehicle accidents. “Any work that can be done to reduce fatalities on Australian roads to zero should always be treated as a priority.” Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/logistics-news/1803/natroad-boss-applauds-ia-congestion-focus

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) said the list highlighted the need for continuous investment in freight infrastructure projects. The list names the projects that will be most significant for the nation over the next 15 years. The ALC’s managing director Michael Kilgariff urged governments to address the “key freight related initiatives” identified on the list.

“An export-driven economy like Australia must do everything possible to eliminate capacity constraints in our freight networks if we wish to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market,” Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/logistics-news/1803/natroad-boss-applauds-ia-congestion-focus

The High Priority Projects Identified on the List include:

The Sydney Gateway connecting WestConnex to Port Botany & Sydney Airport;

The Port Botany Freight Rail Duplication to boost port efficiency;

The Chullora Junction upgrade to enhance Sydney’s freight rail network;

Preserving the corridor for the Western Sydney Airport fuel pipeline;

Preserving the corridor for Western Sydney Freight Line and Intermodal Terminal access; and

Improving connection between Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway and CityLink.

Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/logistics-news/1803/natroad-boss-applauds-ia-congestion-focus Mr Kilgariff went on to highlight the need to secure investment for these projects and its importance in driving growth economically. Australian Greens transport spokeswoman Janet Rice also commented on the list but said that infrastructure planning should be prioritising public transport to minimise pollution and congestion.

“Infrastructure Australia has included a number of public transport priorities on their priority list, and governments must get those congestion-busting projects moving before turning our cities into a tangled mess of freeways.” Find out more https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/logistics-news/1803/natroad-boss-applauds-ia-congestion-focus