Calder Highway Strategy

CALDER HIGHWAY STRATEGY

October, · 1995

vie l'01f .,. ,~ fictoria ON THE MOVE t

Photographs Front Cover. 1 I "Paddle Steamer on the Murray River'' Reproduced with kind permission of Nucolorvue Productions Pty.Ltd. Mulgrave, Victoria.

"Bendigo Talking Tram" - Reproduced with kind permission of Bendigo Tourism Board Incorporated.

"Central Business District, Melbourne" CALDER HIGHWAY STRATEGY

ISBN No: 0 7306 4911 3 This report has been prepared by a team October, 1995 from Planning Investigations Department. VicRoads 60 Denmark Street, vie: ro, ,, ,~ Kew. Victoria. 3101 Special Report 95-7 fictoria ON rHE MOYE Calder Highway Strategy Contents

The Strategy_ ·...... ; ...... 1 Tables Calder Highway (Melbourne to Bendigo) Executive Summary ...... 2 Indicative Program Table 1 ...... 3 A. Melbourne to Bendigo ...... 5 Investment Priorities (Melbourne to Bendigo) A1 . Strategic Function of the Highway ...... 5 Table2 ...... 13 A2. Strategies relevant to the Corridor ...... 5 Investment Priorities (Bendigo to Murray River) A3. Current and Future User Needs ...... 5 Table3 ...... 21 A4. Current and Projected Travel Demand ...... 6 A4.1 Traffic Growth ...... 6 Figures AS. Performance Standards ...... 7 TRAFFIC VOLUMES - 1993 & 2010 A6. Deficiencies ...... 7 Figure 1 ...... 6 A6.1 Travel Delay ...... 7 ACCIDENT RATE (1988-1992) A6.2 Road Safety ...... 7 A6.3 Road Conditions ...... 8 Figure2 ...... 7 A6.4 Access Control ...... 8 ROAD CONDITIONS A7. Management and Development Strategy ...... 9 Figure3 ...... 8 A7.1 Objectives ...... 9 TRAFFIC VOLUMES (1993 - 2010) A7.2 Development Strategy ...... 9 Figure 4 ...... 16 A7.3 Major Works Progress ...... 9 A7 .4 Construction Priorities ...... 10 ACCIDENT RATE (1988-1992) A7.5 Planning Studies ...... 11 Figure 5 ...... 17 A7.6 Rehabilitation ...... 12 A7.7 Local Safety and Access Improvements ...... 12 CALDER HIGHWAY EXISTING CONDITIONS A8. Investment Priorities ...... 12 Figure 6 ...... 18 CALDER HIGHWAY STRATEGY STUDY B. Bendigo to Murray River ...... 15 Melbourne to Bendigo & Bendigo to Murray River B1. Strategic Function of the Highway ...... 15 Figure 7 ...... BACK COVER B2. Strategies Relevant to the Corridor ...... 15 B3. Current and Future User Needs ...... 15 Technical Supplements (Separate Report) B4. Current and Projected Travel Demand ...... 15 84.1 Traffic Growth ...... 16 Technical Supplement No. 1 BS. Performance Standards ...... 17 Strategic Overview of the Regional Economy B6. Deficiencies ...... 17 Technical Supplement No. 2 86.1 Travel Delay ...... 17 Technical Data and Analyses 86.2 Road Safety ...... 17 86.3 Road Conditions ...... 18 B7. Management and Development Strategy ...... 19 87.1 Objectives ...... _ ...... 19 Photographs opposite 87 .2 Development Strategy ...... 19 87.3 Major Works Progress ...... 20 1. Construction of freeway, Diggers Rest - Gisbome · 87.4 Planning Studies ...... 20 87.5 Rehabilitation ...... 20 2. Kyneton Bypass 87.6 Local Safety Improvements ...... 20 87.7 Local Improvements ...... 20 3. Shoulder sealing and tactile line marking B8. Investment Priorities ...... 21 4. Construction of four lane divided highway, lrymple - Mildu_ra. ii

Executive Summary

Role of Calder Highway Identified Needs The Calder Highway is a strategic link in Victoria's rural The study identified the following needs highway network, carrying high volumes of freight transport, business travel, and personal travel between Melbourne to Bendigo: Melbourne and the major provincial centre of Bendigo, ■ travel delays and traffic intrusion in towns which and moderate volumes of traffic between Bendigo, are major weekend tourist destinations and outer Mildura and New South Wales. metropolitan residential dormitories (eg, Macedon The highway provides essential access from New South and Woodend) Wales and central and northern Victoria to domestic ■ inadequate overtaking opportunities between and export markets, and in particular to the key Kyneton and Bendigo intermodal transport terminals at Tullamarine airport, ■ high accident rates and travel delays on the 2 lane the Port of Melbourne and the Port of Geelong. undivided sections of highway and on the 4 lane Bendigo is a major urban centre in Australia, the second undivided sections between Gisborne and largest regional manufacturing area in Victoria and the Woodend only major provincial city not connected to Melbourne ■ the high accident rate at the Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd by a high standard duplicated highway. intersection Bendigo, and the surrounding Goldfields Region, ■ bridges which will require remedial work to Mildura, and other centres along the Calder Highway continue to carry B-Doubles are also major tourist destinations. Bendigo to the Murray River: Travel Demand ■ high accident risk at the Bullock Creek North bridge

Average predicted traffic volumes in 15 years time ■ frequent flooding on the southern approach to based on 3% growth are: Charlton

■ 33000 vpd South of Diggers Rest ■ high accident rates between Marong and Inglewood, Red Cliffs and Midura, and Mildura and ■ 25000 vpd Diggers Rest to Gisborne the Murray River ■ 15000 vpd Gisborne to Kyneton ■ bridges which will require remedial work to ■ 6000-14000vpd Kyneton to Bendigo continue to carry B-Doubles

■ below 5000vpd Bendigo to Irymple ■ weak and distressed pavements requiring early ■ 7000-lOOOOvpd Irymple to Mildura rehabilitation

Highway Management Objectives The study established a requirement for development in the medium term to achieve:

■ a 4 lane divided freeway between Melbourne and Kyneton;

■ a 4 lane divided highway between Kyneton and Bendigo in a reservation suitable for conversion to freeway standard in the longer term;

■ a 2 lane highway north of Bendigo with driving conditions appropriate for a major State highway, adequate overtaking opportunities and full access for efficient freight vehicles.

2 Calder Highway Strategy

The following strategy would achieve these objectives within 10-15 years at funding levels consistent with current programs. between Melbourne and Bendigo:

■ firstly, link up the existing freeway sections between Melbourne and Kyneton by completing works under construction and in planning, with provision of full access control on the outer urban freeway sections between Keilor and Diggers Rest at a later date with high priority given to grade separation of Bulla -Diggers Rest Road intersection;

■ subsequently, provide a four lane divided road progressively north from Kyneton to Bendigo in a form suitable for freeway conversion at a future date;

■ in the meantime, ensure that safety and operating conditions between Kyneton and Bendigo are maintained to a reasonable standard consistent with traffic volumes and timing of future works; and

■ in the longer term, convert the four lane divided road to a freeway with full access control. between Bendigo and the Murray River:

■ provide a four lane divided road between Irymple and Mildura;

■ ensure that safety and operating conditions on the Calder Alternative Highway and the Calder Highway between Bendigo and the Murray River achieve at least the minimum appropriate performance standards by providing: • high standards of centre and edge line marking • provision of overtaking lanes at selected locations • sealed shoulders throughout • a high standard of riding surface • road safety and access improvements.

Economic Benefits An economic evaluation of the highway improvement strategy between Melbourne and Bendigo showed: ■ A Net Present Value of $330 million and a Benefit Cost Ratio of 2.6, assuming a discount rate of 8%p.a. for future costs and benefits ■ The benefits comprised savings in vehicle operating costs of$30 million, savings in travel time of$470 million, and savings in accident costs of $40 million Additional benefits will flow on to agricultural producers, manufacturers and tourism industry operators. Duplication works south of Mildura costing $5.5 million would have a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.1 Recent expenditure rates on the Calder Highway vary between $24 and $34 million per annum, with the bulk of expenditure being south of Bendigo. Achieving the strategy within 10 - 15 years would require a program of funding of approximately$ 36 million each year from 1997 on. The overall timing of the program will be ultimately determined by the funding level available on a year to year basis.

SECTION 1119!/08 -1-/00 2000/01 • 20CW05 2005/08 · 2009/10 KellOf to DJogers Rest lntEWchanoes i:=::J Diggers Rest Bypass Bula-Diggers Rest Rd lnlerchaoge c::::::::::::J

rnooe,s Rest to Glsbome

~ck FOfest lo Gar1sruhe i::=::::J

Kyneton to Elphlnstone -,

Elphlostone to Harcourt c::::J

Haroourt lo Ravenswood -

Red CNffs to Mlkfura . - - - . Minor Works - Major Works: Planning c::::J Construction - Funding committed c:::J Funding not committed Minor Works: Construction - Funding committed c=J, Funding not committed Calder Highway (Melbourne to Bendigo) - Indicative Program Table 1 - Planning and Construction 3 A 1. Strategic Function of the ■ The Government's Road and Road Safety Policy, 1992 highlights the need to invest and improve Highway the Calder Highway. The southern sector of the Calder Highway is a To assist in understanding the strategic function key freight corridor of national and State significance, of this corridor, a strategic overview of the regional carrying primary produce and manufactured goods economy has been prepared by TBA Planners for domestic and export markets via Melbourne and . (frevor Budge and Associates), March 1994 and is its transport hub. It provides access between included as Technical Supplement 1. Melbourne and important agricultural regions in This report supports the Loddon-Campaspe northwestern and north-central Victoria (Mallee and Regional Planning Authority strategy for the Loddon-Campaspe Regions), south western New development of the corridor proposed in the Final South Wales and the Murray River corridor west of Report of the Bendigo-Melbourne Corridor and Echuca. Infrastructure Study, March 1994 prepared by TBA Bendigo is a major urban centre in Australia and Planners, Andrew O'Brien &Associates and Planning the second largest regional manufacturing centre in Australia Consultants. Victoria. The manufacturing industry is a vital The strategic importance of this corridor to the element in the economic base of this transport transportation of export freight to Tullamarine corridor. Tourism is a significant factor in the Airport and the Ports of Melbourne and Geelong and economic growth of the region with the Calder the need to upgrade to a four lane divided facility to Highway being a principal route for tourist traffic. meet future demand was identified in NATROV (1987) and VICROADS 2000 (1990). A2. Strategies relevant to the Corridor A3. Current and Future User The importance of the southern sector of the Needs Calder Highway to the State and the need to upgrade The freight task is expected to grow along the it is reflected in various government policies and corridor. Export products include wool, sheep, fruit initiatives. Specific strategies include: (including table grapes), dairy products, grain, ■ Development Framework for Victoria, September manufactured engineering products and textiles. 1994. This report draws on other recent Other important products of the region include pig, government strategies and initiatives. Of poultry, wine, low and high value added timber particular relevance to the Calder corridor is the products (fBA Planners, 1994). focus on: In addition, tourist destinations within the • the duplication of the Calder Highway as a corridor attract approximately 260,000 visitors critical infrastructure requirement annually. About half are from Melbourne and would • the strategic transport and communications be likely to use the Calder Highway. Tourist traffic linkages between rural centres such as is a significant contributor to weekend traffic which Bendigo and Melbourne's ''key national and is 25-35% higher than weekday traffic on the southern international gateways" half of this route. • the development of lifestyle corridors between Between Melbourne and Bendigo, the Calder Melbourne and provindal centres like Highway also serves an important commuter Bendigo, encouraging a coordinated approach function. Significant numbers of commuters travel to private and public sector investment to Melbourne from Kyneton, Woodend and Gisborne • the continuing development of Melbourne to and to a lesser extent between Bendigo and the north and west and the forecasted high Castlemaine (fBAPlanners, 1994). Commutertrips population growth in the Loddon-Campaspe are expected to grow as infill development occurs statistical division. between Keilor and Diggers Rest, and high population growth rates continue for many towns.

5 Calder Highway Strategy

A4. Current and Projected A4.1 Traffic Growth Travel Demand Traffic volumes on the Calder Highway are expected to grow annually by about 3 - 5%. Traffic A picture of the upgrading requirements was volumes on the Calder Highway in 1993 are shown obtained by examining existing conditions and in Figure 1. estimating future needs along the southern sector of the Calder Highway over 18 Sections. The fold Traffic analysis indicates that the four lane out Locality Plan at the end of this report shows the freeway, four lane divided and four lane undivided type of facility existing on each section. The detailed sections of the highway would be able to provide analysis presenteci in Technical Supplement 2 is reasonable operating conditions for estimated future summarised below. traffic volumes for the foreseeable future. This assumes urban conditions at Keilor (Section 1) and that total access control is provided between Keilor and Diggers Rest (Sections 1 and 2). However all two lane, two-way sections would require upgrading to cater for increased traffic volumes over the next 10 years.

EXISTING CALDER HIGHWAY FACILITY 4 LANE DIVIDED 2 LANE 2 WAY 4 LANE UNDI VIDED 4 LANE DIVIDED 2 LANE 2 WAY 4 LANE DIVIDED 4 LANE DIVIDED 2 LANE 2 WAY 45000 I AVERAGJ 4 LANE LReAN F~EEWAY ~ERi/iCE ~LUME ~OR REASONAbLE OPE~ATING coNDITIONS ~2000 h1h ·······•·"" I I 40000 I I 45000

I I 35000

1 I I I I I I I I I t I 30000 AVERAGE 4 LANE RURAL FREEWAY SERVICE VOLUME FOR REASONABLE OPERATING CONDITIONS 30000 AAOT ---r----r--- 1----1----,------t --- I ----1 ----,---,-I------,-- I --i--- I,---- AVERAGE 4 LANE llll/lDED RURAL HGHWAY SERI/ICE VOLUME FOR REASONABLE OPERATING CONDITIONS 28000 AAOT 25000 -·-·-r·-·-·-· ····--·-··-·-·- I I

I I 20000 +----i

I I . I 15000 - I I

10000 -

5000 5000

SECT 1 SECT 2 SECT 3 SECT 4 SECT 5 SECT 6 SECT 7 SECT 8 SECT 9 SECT 10 SECT 11 SECT 13 SECT 14 SECT 16 SECT 18 (1) (2\ (3) , (4) SECT 12 , SECT 15 SEyT 17 1

I I CASTLEMAINE

I MM.MSBURY I GISBORNE 'DIGGERS REST

(1) ESTIMATED TRAFFIC ON THE BYPASS (EXCLUDES TOWN ACCESS TRAFFIC, 2200 AADT) 1993 TRAFFIC VOLUMES (2) ESTIMATED TRAFFIC ON BYPASS □ (EXCLUDES TOWN ACCESS TRAFFIC, 2900 AADT) 1993 TRUCK VOLUMES BENDIGO (3) WOODEND ESS - TRAFFIC ON TOWN APPROACHES AVERAGE 11000 AADT ■ - TRAFFIC IN CENTRE OF TOWN 14100 AADT 2010 TRAFFIC VOLUMES - POTENTIAL BYPASS TRAFFIC 5400 - 5900 AADT □ (4) ESTIMATED TRAFFIC ON BYPASS (EXCLUDES TOWN ACCESS TRAFFIC, 3100 AADT. li!il 2010 TRUCK VOLUMES

TRAFFIC VOLUMES - 1993 & 2010 Figure 1

6 Calder Highway Strategy

40 , - 30 - 20 - STAT E AVERAG =2LAN E• 2WA'r RURAL HIGt ,w r>..Y 10 - 0 I I SECT 1 SECT 2 SECT 3 SECT 4 SECT 5 SECT 6 SECT 7 SECT 8 SECT 9 SECT 10 SECT 13 SECT 14 SECT 16 SECT 18 ' (1) ' (1) SECT 11 SECT 15 SECT' 12 I SECT 17

I I I I I I I I ASTLEMAINE I I I I GISBORNE MALM ~ RAVENSWOOO I ~------"-id~.-1--- ELPHINSTONE HARCOURT

KEILOR (1) PRIOR TO BYPASS OPENING

BENDIGO

ACCIDENT RATE (1988-1992) FIGURE 2

AS. Performance Standards A6.2 Road Safety Because of the strategic importance of the Accident rates over the 5 year. period 1988-1992, southern sector of this transport corridor it is shown in Figure 2, generally exceed typical Victorian considered that the standard of facility should be two-lane, two-way rural highway casualty accident similar to that provided in Victoria for National rates (15 casualty accidents / 100 million vehicle - Highways. Standards are discussed in detail in kilometres) on two-lane, two-way sections of the Technical Supplement 2. highway with the exception of Malmsbury (Section 10) and Harcourt- Ravenswood (Sections 15, 16 and Performance based triggers for intervention 17). The four lane undivided section from Macedon along the corridor are based on current VicRoads to Woodend (Section 6 and part Section 7) has a practice but will reflect the standards set by the similar accident rate to the two-lane, two-way sections linking Victoria Strategy as they become available. of the highway. The average accident rate on the Black Forest Section (Section 6) has increased marginally from 22 to 23 casualty accidents / 100 A6. Deficiencies million vehicle - kilometres for the 5 year period A6.1 Travel Delay 1989 - 1993. These relatively high accident rates are of concern. Although it has not been quantified, congestion Works completed during the 5 year period (1988- is already being experienced each weekend in the 1992) are expected to result in a significant reduction towns through which the highway passes between in accidents over time (Sections 1, 2 and 17) as are Melbourne and Bendigo, reducing the amenity for works currently under construction (Sections 3, 4 normal residential activity. Cross highway delays of and 9) . This reduction is not yet reflected in the data. up to seven minutes at weekend peaks have been recorded at Woodend (personal communication TIM Consulting Pty Ltd, July 1993).

7 Calder Highway Strategy

- Intersections with an accident history are being There are 55 km of unsealed shoulders along monitored including three north of Kyneton the Calder highway as shown in Figure 3. There are identified by the community as problem no shoulders for about 12 km of the four lane intersections: undivided road length in the Black Forest (Sections 6 and 7). • Sutton Grange Road, Elphinstone (Section 12) • Black Jack Road, Harcourt (Section 14) Additional overtaking lanes will be required on the highway between Kyneton and Ravenswood to • Calder Alternative Highway, Ravenswood cater for current and future traffic given the time scale (Section 18) of future upgrading proposals. A6.3 Road Conditions One culvert site is considered to be substandard for the carriage of 62.5 tonne B--doubles on Section Road conditions are shown in Figure 3. The 4 and will be replaced as part of the new alignment condition of the road pavement was examined and Three bridge sites at Ravenswood have been needs for rehabilitation established. The parameters identified for monitoring. used in determining rehabilitation are roughness which indicates poor and distressed pavement condition and rutting due to heavy vehicles use. A6.4 Access Control These are discussed in Technical Supplement No. 2. The combination of these factors indicates that 22 Full access control applies on the Gisborne km will require rehabilitation in the next 5 years and Bypass (Section 5) and will apply on freeway sections 18 km in the following 5 years. The Black Forest currently under construction i.e. Diggers Rest - section (section 6) and Malmsbury section (section Gisborne ( Sections 3-4) and Kyneton (Section 9). 10) have the longest lengths of poor pavement, Access is limited on the southern freeway sections however the Black Forest section is more distressed between Keil or and Diggers Rest (Sections 1-2). as about 8km ofleft hand lane also has wor strength. There are no access controls on the rest of the highway. Sections where the road alignment is substandard (12. 4 km) including curves and grade are shown on Figure 3.

SECT 15 SECT SECT 12 17 14 SECT 1 SECT 2 SECT 3 SECT 4 SECT 5 I SECT 6 SECT7 SECT6 SECT9 I SECT 10 SECT 11 SECT 13 Sf'-CT SECT 16 SECT 16 1 1 I I

I I I I I I I I I I

KEILOR LEGEND

-- SUB STANDARD ALIGNMENT BENDIGO

~ POOR PAVEMENT 0 BRIDGES/STRUCTURES REQUIRING REHABILITATION - UNSEALED SHOULDERS - NO SHOULDERS

ROAD CONDITIONS Figure 3

8 Calder Highway Strategy

A7., ·Management and ■ improved safety and access to Melbourne and ·oevelopment Strategy Bendigo for commuter traffic ■ improved safety and access for tourist, business A7.1 Objectives and commercial traffic Earlier planning resulted in an ad hoc approach ■ high economic returns to the community as shown by the Net Present Value (NPV) of the to tlJ.e development of the highway south of Bendigo. various projects Thfa strategy seeks to consolidate current construction and planning work and present a The total cost of the program of new construction coherent program for future upgrading. A five year works would be about $350 million, or $205 million management plan including minor works is discounted back to 1994 $ values at an 8% discount presented as part of the strategy. rate. The discounted benefits to road users of the proposed construction program would be about$535 million. After taking account of construction and A7.2 Development Strategy maintenance costs the proposed construction program would have approximate discounted: It is proposed that the Calder Highway from Melbourne to Bendigo would ultimately be built to ■ Vehicle operating cost savings of $30 million freeway standard. Planning studies would proceed ■ Travel time cost savings of $470 million on this basis to ensure that reservations are made ■ Accident cost savings of $40 million for a freeway in the relevant planning schemes. resulting in an overall Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.6 and an NPV of about$330 million for 8% annual discount rate (assumes all possible bypasses are The strategy is to: constructed). ■ firstly, link up the existing freeway sections between Melbourne and Kyneton by completing works under construction and in planning, with A7.3 Major Works Progress provision of full access control on outer urban freeway sections at a later date with high priority Completed sections include: given to grade separation of Bulla -Diggers Rest Section 1 Road intersection; Keilor - Diggers Rest Freeway with at grade ■ subsequently, provide a four lane divided road intersections (1991) progressively north from Kyneton to Bendigo in Section 2 a form suitable for freeway conversion at a future Diggers Rest Bypass Freeway with one at grade date; intersection (1993) ■ in the meantime, ensure that safety and operating Section 5 conditions between Kyneton and Bendigo are Gisborne Bypass Full freeway (1989) maintained to a reasonable standard consistent with traffic volumes and timing of future works; Section 9 and Kyneton Bypass Full freeway (1995) ■ in the longer term, convert the four lane divided Section 17 road to a freeway with full access control. Ravenswood 4 -lane divided highway (1992) Section 18 The benefits would include: Ravenswood - Bendigo 4 - lane divided highway ■ reduced transport costs for export orientated (1983) goods, originating within Victoria and inland New South Wales, as a result of reduced vehicle costs Works under construction/funding from improved travel times and reliability, committed include: reduced delays and improved pavements Section 3 ■ reduced accidents Diggers Rest - Milletts Rd Full freeway (complete ■ improved safety and amenity in bypassed towns mid 1996)