Boral has been given the green light to ramp up truck movements in the Southern Highlands of NSW after Saturday’s train derailment at New Berrima.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has endorsed temporary transport arrangements that allow Boral to shift rail freight operations to road transport.
As a result, road haulage volumes will increase until August 15, or until Southern Shorthaul Railroad’s (SSR) rail accreditation is reinstated, whichever occurs first.
Under these arrangements, Boral may dispatch up to 300 laden trucks per day from Peppertree Quarry and up to 150 laden trucks per day from the Marulan South Limestone Mine, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This will result in a significant increase in heavy vehicle movements on Marulan South Road and other local freight routes, said the Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
“Council will undertake urgent condition assessments of the affected road and continue discussions with Boral regarding monitoring, maintenance and mitigation measures during this temporary period,” said council General Manager Scott Gallacher.
“Council acknowledges the concerns of residents and will continue to advocate for the community while supporting safe and effective freight movements.”