Freeway connections for authorised access points - Part B

Context

In limited circumstances the Head, Transport for Victoria (and predecessor organisations such as VicRoads, Road Construction Authority and Country Roads Board) has authorised access to freeways at locations other than via purpose constructed road interchanges and service roads, provided the accesses can operate safely. Authorised access points are characterised by having a particular limited purpose, low traffic volumes utilising the access, occasional use, and being for non-commercial purposes. Examples of authorised access point use include use by emergency services, utilities and VicTrack.

Applicability

Authorised access points, if provided, are for specific authorised purposes (not for general public use), for irregular use, and low traffic volumes only. Access is authorised for a specified land use, and no other use. This means that where land use changes occur, the authorised access point will no longer be valid (this includes where land is proposed to be subdivided). Any regular use and or higher volume uses are to be considered under Part A of this policy.

This policy also applies to the operation of existing authorised access points, and proposals to withdraw existing authorised access points. The policy principles can be applied to assist in determining whether an existing authorised access point should be removed where a safety or operational issue has been identified.

Authorised access does not need to be created for:

• terminals, interchanges, intersections, pedestrian, bicycle and shared use paths constructed as part of a freeway project
• grade separations of freeways with public roads or railways
• pedestrian, bicycle and shared use paths constructed by or on behalf of the State, that are within a freeway reservation or are grade separated.

These uses are to be considered under Part A of this policy.

Road authorities do not require authorised access points themselves as the Road Management Act, or other relevant Acts (e.g. for toll roads) provide road authorities with the powers necessary to manage their road network.

A person must not connect an access point to a freeway without the written consent of the Head, Transport for Victoria (Schedule 2, Clause 1 Road Management Act).

Audience

This policy applies to any party seeking to create an authorised access point to a freeway (including freeways that are toll roads such as CityLink, EastLink, Peninsula Link etc subject to discussion with toll road operators) or considering the operation of an existing authorised access point.

Part B Notes

1. Agreement of the Head, Transport for Victoria to proposed authorised access point(s) must not be assumed by any proponent, entity, or project. Any projects seeking to utilise authorised access arrangements are encouraged to contact the Department of Transport and Planning regarding potential authorised access points during the project development and scoping stage, and before concept designs are finalised.
2. Authorised access points are not for general public use.
3. Precedent on the network does not mean that access will be granted. Precedent refers to similar configuration or similar arrangements existing elsewhere on the freeway network.
4. A person must not construct an access point to a freeway without the written consent of the Head, Transport for Victoria under the Road Management Act.