Road managers
Accessibility tools
A national project that aims to make better use of local freight routes is underway, with Toowoomba one of the first communities to benefit.
Visiting Toowoomba last week, NHVR Chief Regulatory Policy and Standards Officer Don Hogben said the Strategic Local Government Assessment Project (SLGAAP) was examining bridges and culverts across the country.
“This project is about working with local governments and industry to identify bridges and culverts that need engineering assessments to improve access for heavy vehicles,” Mr Hogben said.
“In Toowoomba, bridges like those at Griffiths Street and North Street provide critical links to industrial areas and businesses directly adjacent to the New England Highway.
“Looking at how we can use these assets better can provide big productivity benefits for the local economy, while minimising the impact on local residents.
“The Phase 1 Pilot is well underway with 100 bridges and culverts across 12 councils now being assessed by engineers.
“Now, we want to hear from people about those assets we should look at in Phase 2, to make our freight routes more productive for the benefit of the whole industry.
“There is an interactive mapping tool for industry to tell us about any bridges and culverts on heavy vehicle routes that currently may have restricted access.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Carol Taylor said that engineering assessments were underway.
“From agriculture to construction, the Toowoomba Region has a significant freight need at the heart of our local economy,” she said.
“With the recent opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, it’s timely to look at the best way we can use our assets and roads.
“Through working with the NHVR we’ve been able to access support and expertise that would normally be out of our reach.”
- Visit the SLGAAP project site to view the full list of councils and the assets involved in the pilot at https://nhvr.engagementhub.com.au/
- Or contact the NHVR Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project, contact the project team on roadassetproject@nhvr.gov.au or call 13 NHVR (136 487).