Key definitions in the Freeway connection policy

Points of access to a freeway reserve (including freeway carriageway or freeway ramps) at locations other than purpose-built interchanges or intersections. These points are authorised* for specific, limited, low volume, occasional use purposes only. Authorised access points are not for general public use or commercial purposes. The authorisation of these access points may be withdrawn by Head, Transport for Victoria at any time. Examples of existing authorised access points to declared freeways are shown in Appendix B.

*Authorised as used in this policy refers to written consent from Head, Transport for Victoria to connect to a freeway.

The broader network consists of the adjacent interchanges and freeway, as well as any arterial roads and local roads that are likely to be impacted by the proposal.

Note that the proponent must contact the relevant Department of Transport and Planning regional transport network planning team to discuss impacts of proposed sites and access locations on the road network.

A freeway is a dual carriageway facility with no access for traffic between interchanges/intersections. Crossings of freeway carriageways at interchanges/intersections are primarily grade separated.

• The primary purpose of a freeway is to provide high speed, safe and efficient travel and mass movement between regions and ensure continuity of the national and regional primary road system.
• The Policy applies to land declared as freeway under Section 14 of the Road Management Act 2004. This includes the freeway carriageway and the ramps connecting to the freeway, and related segments of road declared as freeway.

Note Road classification can be verified by checking Maps of Department of Transport and Planning Roads [add updated link here]

Land that has direct access to a freeway and is used to provide essential services and facilities that encourage drivers to stop and take an effective break in the interests of driver safety. Source: Victoria Planning Provisions, Ordinance, clause 73.03 Land Use Terms.

A freeway service centre must provide facilities and services as outlined in Victoria Planning Provisions clause 53.05 (Freeway service centre). This clause also outlines what a freeway service centre must not include.

The separation of road, rail or other traffic so that crossing movements, which would otherwise conflict, are at different elevations

Source: Austroads Glossary of Terms (2015 Edition).

Head, Transport for Victoria is a legal entity established under the Transport Integration Act 2010. Head, Transport for Victoria is a road authority for the purposes of the Road Management Act , and is responsible for the road management functions, powers and duties as conferred by the Road Management Act for freeways and arterial roads. Head, Transport for Victoria is a determining referral authority for the purposes of the Planning and Environment Act for any planning applications for land adjacent to the principal road network (clause 52.29 VPPs). The primary object of the Head, Transport for Victoria is to coordinate, provide, operate and maintain the public transport system and the road system.

Source: Section 64B Transport Integration Act Object of the Head, Transport for Victoria. DTP staff perform functions, powers and duties on behalf of Head, Transport for Victoria.

Infrastructure means road infrastructure and non-road infrastructure.

Source: Section 3 Definitions of the Road Management Act.

An interchange is a grade separation of two or more roads with one or more interconnecting carriageways.

Source: Austroads Glossary of Terms (2015 Edition).

For the purpose of this policy, an interchange includes existing at grade intersections on a freeway.

The interconnecting road network for a freeway comprises:

• Freeway access connection points including ramps
• Arterial roads and local roads connecting to ramp terminals.

A road is a public road if it is (including but not limited to)

• a freeway
• an arterial road.

Source: Section 17 Road Management Act What is a public road.

A ramp includes:

1. carriageway within an interchange providing for travel between two arms (legs) of the intersecting roads
2. traffic assignment: a link between a freeway node and an arterial node.

Source: Austroads Glossary of Terms (2015 Edition).

The point on an interchange ramp at which it intersects with a surface road or street.

Source: Austroads Glossary of Terms (2015 Edition).

A relevant planning process includes:

• Planning permit application made under Section 47 of the Planning and Environment Act
• Planning scheme amendment proposed under Part 3 of the Planning and Environment Act
• Combined planning scheme amendment and planning permit application under Section 96A of the Planning and Environment Act.

A road includes:

• any public highway
• any ancillary area
• any land declared to be a road under section 11 or forming part of a public highway or ancillary area

Source: Section 3 Definitions of the Road Management Act.

Road infrastructure includes:

1. the infrastructure which forms part of a roadway, pathway or shoulder, including—
   • structures forming part of the roadway, pathway or shoulder
   • materials from which a roadway, pathway or shoulder is made
2. the road-related infrastructure.

Source: Section 3 Definitions of the Road Management Act.