What is happening?
The City of Ballarat will discontinue a section of Ring Road to improve travel times and traffic flow, as part of planning for the new Ballarat Freight Hub being constructed at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ).
Ring Road will be discontinued at the level railway crossing (as shown in the map below) with turn-around areas established. The two sections of road on either side of the railway line will become access roads for the businesses and properties located there. Vehicles travelling between Alfredton and Wendouree will instead be able to travel the same route via Ballarat Link Road, using the railway overpass.
Why is the road being closed?
The Ballarat Freight Hub is being constructed in the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). The Freight Hub is expected to support producers and transporters in the region and incentivise shifting freight from road to rail. Planning for the project is underway, with construction expected to commence in late 2022 and expected to be completed by mid 2023.
Once constructed, the Ballarat Freight Hub will cater to long freight trains delivering and receiving goods. Without the Ring Road discontinuance, freight trains entering and exiting the freight hub would block the road, leading to lengthy delays and congestion for motorists.
The road discontinuance is based on an agreement between the City of Ballarat Council, Regional Development Victoria and Victorian Rail Track Corporation (VicTrack). At the 25 March 2015 City of Ballarat Council meeting, Councillors resolved to agree to the future closure of the Ring Road railway level crossing in line with the construction of Link Road.
When will the road be closed?
Temporary works to discontinue Ring Road and create turn-around areas are expected to begin in late December with permanent works to be budgeted for next financial year.
How can I share my thoughts?
Any person has a right to make a submission to Council on the proposal in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989. You can do this by completing the survey below.
Submissions must be received by 5pm on 2 November 2022
Alternatively, submissions can be posted to the Property Department, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat VIC 3350.
