How will Marong transport network and traffic be managed?

The VPA-commissioned Marong Transport Network Assessment shows that the Marong road network can handle the extra traffic from the BREP, provided certain upgrades are delivered over time.

Working with the Department of Transport and Planning and the City of Greater Bendigo, three priority intersection upgrades have been identified under the BREP Guideline for Preparing Shared Infrastructure Delivery and Funding Plan:

IT2 – Calder Alternative Highway / Wimmera Highway

Recommended upgrade: An interim roundabout to manage traffic movements safely in the early stages of precinct development.

IT3 – Calder Highway / Calder Alternative Highway

Recommended upgrade: Signalisation to improve safety and traffic flow at this major junction.

IT5 – Calder Highway / Allies Road

Recommended upgrade: Signalisation to support increased turning movements and provide safer access.

To make sure traffic is properly managed as the precinct develops, developers will be required to do the following before they can start developments:

• Prepare a transport impact report – This report must show how their project will affect the local and main roads, and what improvements are needed to keep traffic safe and flowing well.
• Prepare an infrastructure delivery and funding plan – This plan must set out the road and intersection upgrades needed to support their development, and when these upgrades should be delivered.
• Contributions to the cost of road upgrades – Developers must help pay for shared transport infrastructure. In some cases, they may also need to build part of the upgrade themselves.
• Enter into an agreement with Council or the State (if required) – This agreement ensures that the identified upgrades and contributions are delivered.

This approach ensures that roads are improved in step with development, traffic is managed safely, and the impact on the Marong community is minimised.