The opening of the West Gate Tunnel and upgraded M1 infrastructure later this year will have a significant impact on container logistics operations to and from the Port of Melbourne, warns the peak container body.
Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) Director Neil Chambers said improved travel times from the west will be offset by heavy vehicle tolling, whether through the new West Gate Tunnel or via the West Gate Bridge.
“The Victorian Government also intends to enforce No Truck Zones (24/7) on inner west roads, removing these chosen routes for through access to the port,” Chambers said.
To discusss the impacts the changes will have on operators, the CTAA is hosting a free seminar on Tuesday, March 4, in Yarraville, Melbourne.
Chambers said the event is designed for all stakeholders in the container logistics chain to help them begin to understand the impacts on container transport costs, route access to the port, and the possible impacts on the future selection of locations for container facilities – transport depots, warehouses and empty container parks.
The Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, will also deliver an opening address.
The event runs from 8.45am to 12.45pm at the Yarraville Club, followed by a buffet lunch.
To register your attendance, click here.
According to the Transurban website, most trucks will pay $19.17 for a single day toll, and $47.93 for a 24-hour pass.
Transurban is also offering tolling discounts and trip caps to help make the upgraded freeway and new tunnels more cost-effective for heavy vehicles (LHCVs and HCVs).
Heavy vehicles travelling back and forth all day on the freeway will receive tolling discounts after the fourth trip and no charge after the eighth trip.
- First 4 trips: trucks pay full toll.
- Trips 5 to 8: trucks pay 50 per cent of toll.
- Trips 9 and above: no further charges.