Freeway connections for general public use - Part A

Part A of the Freeway connection policy can be triggered by access being sought to the freeway network for general public use (usually in the form of a location where a road, private road or access point is connected to a freeway) as well as by proposals seeking access to the arterial or local road network that impact on a freeway.

Direct access to freeway network

This policy will apply to proposals seeking:

• new connections of a road, private road, or access point to an existing freeway
• to modify or upgrade an existing freeway interchange or access point
• withdrawal of access (addressed in Part B(opens in a new window) of the Policy)

For proposals seeking freeway access via an authorised access point, refer to Part B(opens in a new window) of the Policy.

Indirect access to freeway network via the non-freeway network

This policy may be triggered by proposals seeking access to the arterial or local road network in the proximity of a freeway, where traffic generated by the development will have an appreciable impact on the freeway. The impact of indirect access proposals will be site specific and is determined by factors such as the distance from the freeway, likely volume of additional movements from the development and site-specific issues such as the layout of the road network. This impact must be considered and may be managed in accordance with the guidance in this policy.

The impact on the freeway of movements (both to and from the freeway carriageway) generated by the proposed access is to be considered. The impacts will be context and site specific and must be assessed in conjunction with statutory planners in the relevant Department of Transport and Planning region.

Audience

The audience for Part A of the Policy includes:

• Externally - parties seeking access to the freeway network such as developers and landowners. The policy can also be used by Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority to inform freeway connection considerations when preparing freeway-related business cases and project alternatives.
• Internally - Department of Transport and Planning areas including regions, transport planners, statutory planners, transport engineers and designers with a role in reviewing proposals submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning seeking freeway access, as well as instances where the Department of Transport and Planning may be seeking the provision of access to the freeway network.

Using Part A of the Policy

Proponents seeking access to a freeway must meet all the Key Requirements and the Freeway Connection Principles of this policy. Figure 1 shows the successive phases used to assess proposals, with the initial phases requiring assessment against only selected Freeway Connection Principles to avoid the need for proponents to undertake and provide more detailed analysis in support of their proposal if not warranted. This also avoids the need for detailed assessment by the Department of Transport and Planning if not warranted.

When the Key Requirements and Freeway Connection Principles of the Policy are met, the Department of Transport and Planning can provide in-principle support for access to a freeway under the Road Management Act. Following in-principle support under the Road Management Act, assessment under the Planning and Environment Act can occur.

Please refer to this page (opens in a new window)for more detail on the phases and the processes developed to assist the assessment.