Major road transport infrastructure investment needed across Sydney
The Transport Workers Union has today called for increased investment in road transport
infrastructure to handle Sydney’s growing freight task.
Without increased investment in road transport infrastructure, Sydney’s freight task will
increasingly impact on our daily lives.
TWU State Secretary Tony Sheldon: “Road transport keeps the economy moving. But the
freight task is projected to double over the next twenty years. Sydney’s infrastructure will
need to meet that increase in freight.
“Clogged roads would have a disastrous impact on the working lives of transport workers
and other road users.”
There is an increased need to now build projects like the M4 East to help plan for the future
of Sydney’s road freight task.
“It is already hard enough driving down Parramatta Rd now, let alone five or ten years down
the track”, Mr Sheldon said. “Driving a heavy vehicle on congested roads makes accidents
more likely as road users become impatient.
“Now is the time for the NSW Government to help solve some of the infrastructure demands
of this city.”
The congestions experienced by drivers around Port Botany also need to be addressed, as
many drivers are forced to queue for their loads in No Stopping zones because of insufficient
infrastructure in the area.
“Without developing alternatives to our harbours, congestion like that experienced at Port
Botany can only get worse. Serious work needs to occur to develop more intermodal
transport infrastructure and additional inland ports.
Mr Sheldon said: “A medium term solution to the problems faced around Port Botany would
be the upgrade of roads adjacent to the port to allow B-triples into the area.
“B-triples cause less road damage than the equivalent number of smaller vehicles and have
more advanced braking systems. They would also significantly increase productivity.”
The TWU remains committed to ensuring long term investment in critical infrastructure for
NSW to ensure that increased safety and productivity are the priorities for the transport
industry.
Media Inquiries Josh McIntosh 0408 463 199.
6 May 2008
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