lal lal wind farm project october 2007 - home - w … lal wind farm project october 2007 prepared by...

Traffic Impact Report

Lal Lal Wind Farm Project

October 2007

Prepared by

Ratio Consultants Pty Ltd “Riverwalk” First Floor

649 Bridge Road Richmond VIC 3121

T +61 03 9429 3111 F + 61 03 9429 3011

Prepared for

WestWind Energy Pty Ltd

October 2007

Our Reference:8121Report #2

©Copyright, Ratio Consultants Pty Ltd, October 2007.

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under Copyright Act 1963, no part may be reproduced without written permission of Ratio Consultants Pty Ltd.

Disclaimer:

Neither Ratio Consultants Pty. Ltd. nor any member or employee of Ratio Consultants Pty. Ltd. takes responsibility in any way whatsoever to any person or organisation (other than that for which this report has been prepared) in respect of the information set out in this report, including any errors or omissions therein. Ratio Consultants is not liable for errors in plans. specifications, documentation or other advice not prepared or designed by Ratio Consultants.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter / Section Page No.

R a t i o C o n s u l t a n t s P t y L t d ii

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS 4

2.1 Location and Environment...............................................................................................................4 2.2 Road Network ..................................................................................................................................4 2.3 Existing Traffic Volumes..................................................................................................................7 2.4 Oversize Load Carrying Vehicles....................................................................................................8 2.5 Crash History ...................................................................................................................................9

3 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 11

3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................11 3.2 Expected Traffic Generation..........................................................................................................12

4 TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT 15

5 CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN 17

6 CONCLUSION 18

APPENDICES

Appendix A. Yendon and Elaine Wind Farm Sites.................................................................................19 Appendix B. Photo Summary Yendon Site.............................................................................................20 Appendix C. Photo Summary Elaine Site ...............................................................................................21 Appendix D. VicRoads Oversize Load Carrying Vehicles Information Bulletin .....................................22

L a l L a l W i n d F a r m P r o j e c t – T r a f f i c I m p a c t R e p o r t

R a t i o C o n s u l t a n t s P t y L t d 3

1 INTRODUCTION

This is a report to the Victorian Minister for Planning in relation to an application by WestWind Energy Pty Ltd for the development of a wind farm (known as the Lal Lal Wind Farm) comprising approximately 150 Megawatts of power 70 wind turbines on two separate sites at Yendon and Elaine to the southeast of Ballarat within the Shire of Moorabool.

This report provides an assessment of the traffic implications of the proposed development. It is based on observations at the site, data collection and on studies of similar developments elsewhere in Victoria.



2 EXISTING CONDITIONS

2.1 LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

The Lal Lal Wind Farm project comprises two separate sections of land within the Shire of Moorabool. Both sites are located to the southeast of Ballarat, near Buninyong. The first section of land is located east of Yendon near Lal Lal and incorporates an area of approximately 2,100 hectares. The second site is located just north of Elaine and incorporates an area of approximately 1,400 hectares.

The Yendon section of the site is located on two properties of land that extends to the north and south of Yendon-Egerton Road approximately between Harris Road/McGuigans Road east and Dunnstown-Yendon Road west.

The Elaine section of the site comprises a number of farming properties located to the east and west of the Midland Highway, approximately between Horsehill Road and Elaine-Blue Bridge Road. The site is roughly defined by Murphys Road and Narmbool Road to the north and south.

Appendix A shows the two sections of land that form the wind farm project site.

2.2 ROAD NETWORK

2.2.1 Regional Road Network

Midland Highway (A300) provides the main regional road link to both wind farm sections. The Midland Highway runs from Ballarat to Geelong. In the vicinity of the proposed wind farm it is a standard rural road in good condition with a total sealed width of approximately 10 metres comprising a single 3.5 metre lane in each direction and sealed shoulders. Overtaking lanes and designated turning lanes are provided at key locations:-

At Yendon Road No.1 where 2 lanes are provided in the southbound direction in additional to sealed shoulders;

At Yendon Road No.2 where 2 lanes are provided in each direction in additional to sealed shoulders; and

At the intersection with Horsehill Road/Woolshed Road where a right turn slot is provided for turning movements from the north to the west. An overtaking lane has been constructed slightly further to the south for southbound flow.

An overtaking lane has been constructed for northbound flow north of Narmbool Road.

Glenelg Highway (B160) runs from Mt Gambier to Ballarat. In conjunction with the Henty Highway it provides the main regional link from Portland in the west to Ballarat.

Western Highway (A8) runs from Adelaide to Melbourne via Horsham and Ararat.



2.2.2 Yendon Wind Farm Section

Outlined below is the local road network that will most likely provide road access to the Yendon section of the wind farm.

Yendon Road No.1 runs easterly from the Midland Highway to Yendon-Egerton Road (at the Geelong-Ballarat Railway Line). Over most of its length it has a road pavement width of typically around 6 metres with roadside features well set back. The section of road around Mt Buninyong is more heavily vegetated along both sides of the road. The road has an uphill grade on the approach to the Midland Highway.

Yendon Road No.2 runs easterly from the Midland Highway to Yendon-Road No.1 and provides alternate access to Yendon-Egerton Road and the site. It has a road pavement width typically around 4-5 metres with gravel shoulders (at western end) and 5-6 metres on the approach to Yendon Road No.1. Roadside features are also well set back. A short section around Mt Buninyong also heavily vegetated along the roadside and guard railing has been installed. The intersection with Yendon Road No.1 is controlled with Give Way signage and line marking on the Yendon Road No. 2 approach. A central splitter island has been installed along this approach, which restricts the lane width to around 4.0-4.5 metres. Fewer residential properties are located along Yendon-Road No.2 compared with Yendon-Road No.1.

Yendon-Egerton Road runs from Yendon at the railway crossing to Mt Egerton in the east. It eventually provides a link to the Geelong-Ballan Road. The road is in good condition and is a relatively wide with a road pavement of approximately 6 metres and central line marking. Roadside vegetation and other features are well setback from the carriageway. On the approach to the site it crosses over a narrow bridge over the Lal Lal Creek. The road width at this location is reduced to 5.2 metres with guard railing approximately 60cm high.

Yendon-Egerton Road has a relatively straight horizontal alignment and is reasonably flat apart from a section over the Moorabool River Bridge where both approaches have a steep downhill grade and curvilinear alignment. The road width at the bridge is 5.2 metres with a distance between bridge pillars of 6.0 metres. The height of the pillars is 1.8m.

The Yendon-Egerton Road is currently used by a number of large vehicles including quarry trucks accessing the quarries located along the Dunnstown-Yendon Road.

Access to the wind turbines locations is proposed via a number of new access tracks on private land that will tie into the existing local road network comprising:

Duggans Lane: that runs south from Yendon-Egerton Road. It has a 4.5 metre gravel surface with wide turning lanes set in a 40-metre road reservation. The road is straight and flat with some encroaching vegetation at the southern end.

Spreadeagle Road: that runs north from Yendon-Egerton Road. It has a 3.5 metre gravel surface with wide mouth at its intersection with Yendon-Egerton Road. The road is straight and flat with some encroaching vegetation at the northern end.

Harris Road: runs south from Yendon-Egerton Road. It has a 5-metre gravel surface set in a 20-metre road reservation. The road is straight and flat with vegetation well set back from the road. North of Yendon-Egerton Road the road is renamed as McGuigans Road.



All of the above roads and proposed location for new access tracks have good sight distances at their intersections with Yendon-Egerton Road.

Appendix B shows a photo summary of the Yendon project site.

2.2.3 Elaine Wind Farm Section

Outlined below is the local road network that will most likely provide road access to the Elaine section of the wind farm.

Murphys Road runs northeast from the Midland Highway to Elaine-Blue Bridge Road. It has a 4-metre wide gravel surface set in a 20-metre road reservation. Vegetation along the road is well setback.

Elaine-Blue Bridge Road runs north-south from Blue Bridge Road (near Woolshed Road) to the Midland Highway in Elaine. The road runs parallel to the Geelong-Ballarat Railway Line. It also has a gravel surface (approximately 3.5 metres wide) with vegetation well setback from the road.

Narmbool Road runs westerly from the Midland Highway to Horsehill Road. It is also a gravelled road with a road width of around 5 metres set in a 20-metre road reservation. Along the eastern section it is clear of vegetation on both sides of the road. At its intersection with the Midland Highway the road widens to provide greater turning radii for vehicles. The sealed shoulder along the Midland Highway is also wider at this location. This road is also used as a school bus route.

Horsehill Road runs from Narmbool Road (where is forms a 4-way intersection with Horsehill Road West) to Woolshed Road where it continues onto the Midland Highway. It is a narrow sealed road (approximately 4 metres wide) with vegetation set back from the road.

Fords Lane is a short road that runs west from the Midland Highway just south of Murphys Road. It has a 4-metre wide gravel surface clear of vegetation on either side. It is a no through road but could be extended to connect into Horsehill Road to provide alternate road access if required. Give Way signage and line-marking control the intersection with the Midland Highway.

All of the above roads have good sight distances at their intersections with the Midland Highway.

Appendix C shows a photo summary of the Elaine project site.

2.2.4 Summary of Existing Road Network

The Midland Highway in the vicinity of both proposed wind farm sites has been constructed to a high geometric standard with opportunities for overtaking and turning provided at key locations. Sight distances at proposed access routes onto the Midland Highway are good in both directions.

Existing local road intersections have been constructed to high standards and good sight distances are provided. The local roads have limited vegetation or vegetation well setback from the road over most of their lengths.



The local road network surrounding both sites is in good condition. The gravel roads have all been well formed and are well maintained while the sealed roads have good surfaces that are free of hazards or pot holes. The sealed roads have been designed to transport commercial traffic.

Discussions with the Shire have revealed that they grade and maintain each road at least once a year and twice a year for roads with an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flow of 100-150 vehicles. However, in periods of limited rain and water restrictions maintenance cannot take place.

2.3 EXISTING TRAFFIC VOLUMES

2.3.1 Midland Highway

The most recent data for traffic flow along the Midland Highway in the vicinity of the wind farm sites was collected from VicRoads Information Services. This data was collected 500 metres east of Platts Road (Scotsburn) in April 2005. The data showed:

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flow was around 3,500 vehicles per day;

Peak hour flows were around 330 vehicles per hour; and

The average percentage of commercial vehicles was around 18%.

2.3.2 Local Road Network

The Moorabool Shire Council conduct regular traffic volume counts along local roads within the Shire. Information obtained from the Shire for the surrounding road network in both sections of the proposed wind farm are summarised below.

Yendon Section

A summary of recent traffic flow data for the road network in the vicinity of the Yendon section are summarised below (all two-way flows):

Yendon Road No.1 (west of Ramsay Road): AADT of 494 vehicles (9% commercial vehicles) in April 2004.

Yendon Road No.2 (west of Ramsay Road): AADT 532 vehicles (8% commercial vehicles) in April 2004.

Ramsay Road (north of Yendon Road No.1): AADT 63 vehicles (6% commercial vehicles) in April 2004.

Triggs Road: AADT 105 vehicles (6% commercial vehicles) in April 2004.

Yendon-Lal Lal Road: AADT 550 vehicles (10% commercial vehicles) in April 2003.

Yendon-Egerton Road (east of railway line): AADT 716 vehicles (8% commercial vehicles) in January 2003.



McGuigans Road (north of Yendon-Egerton Road): AADT 114 vehicles (26% commercial vehicles) in June 20051.

Harris Road (east of Duggans Lane): AADT 47 vehicles (10% commercial vehicles) in November 2005.

Harris Road (south of Duggans Lane): AADT 47 vehicles (15% commercial vehicles) in February 2007.

Harris Road (south of Yendon-Egerton Road): AADT 48 vehicles (32% commercial vehicles) in November 2005.

Elaine Section

A summary of recent traffic flow data for the road network in the vicinity of the Elaine section are summarised below (all two-way flows):

Narmbool Road: AADT 12 vehicles (15% commercial vehicles) in October 2006.

Horsehill Road West: AADT 31 vehicles (7% commercial vehicles) in April 2007.

Horsehill Road (near intersection with the Midland Highway): AADT 77 vehicles (8% commercial vehicles) in October 2006.

Murphys Road: AADT 14 vehicles (8% commercial vehicles) in April 2007.

Elaine-Blue Bridge Road (near intersection with the Midland Highway at Elaine): AADT 16 vehicles (8% commercial vehicles) in April 2007.

2.4 OVERSIZE LOAD CARRYING VEHICLES

Appendix D includes a copy of the “VicRoads Oversize Load Carrying Vehicles Information Bulletin” dated September 2000. Important items to note are:

The Western Highway, Glenelg Highway and the Midland Highway are all designated over dimensional truck routes with no restricted bridges. These routes could all serve as primary access to the site.

Specific over dimensional truck routes are specified for Geelong (on the scenario that Geelong is used as the port for the import of parts and equipment from Germany).

Travel with loads 3.2 – 3.5 metres wide or 22.1 – 25.0 long within rural areas needs to take place during daylight hours.

Special permits are required from VicRoads to transport vehicle loads that are wider than 3.5 metres, longer than 25 metres and higher than 4.6 metres. Once an application is made to VicRoads they specify the designated route, whether escorts are required and other requirements for transport. Permits are usually issued for three-month periods, but extensions can be applied for.

1 Traffic flow may be higher than normal due to traffic generated to the fast rail project.



2.5 CRASH HISTORY

In order to identify any significant safety issues within the surrounding area along the key local routes to the proposed two wind farm sites, a review of VicRoads ‘CrashStats’ database for casualty crashes has been undertaken over the most recent five-year period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2005.



A summary of the crash analysis for the local road network surrounding the Yendon Site is as follows:

There was 1 “serious injury” crash at the intersection of the Midland Highway and Yendon Road No. 2 in November 2004 between two cars. The crash involved a right turning vehicle entering the intersection.

There was 1 “serious injury” crash along Midland Highway southeast of Buninyong Road in May 2004 that involved a car and utility vehicle.

There have been 5 crashes along Yendon Road No. 1.

There was 1 “other injury” crash along Yendon Road No. 2 (June 2005).

There have been 5 crashes along Yendon-Egerton Road.

A summary of the crash analysis for the local road network surrounding the Elaine Site is as follows:

There have been 2 crashes along the Midland Highway north of Murphys Road and south of Woolshed Road (Horsehill Road).

There was 1 “other injury” crash along Narmbool Road between the Midland Highway and Horsehill Road in January 2005. The crash involved a station wagon coming off the roadway.

There were 3 crashes along the Midland Highway near Elaine-Egerton Road.

The results of the crash analysis for both proposed wind farm sites demonstrates that there are no locations along the surrounding local road network that can be identified as “blackspot” locations or any potential hazards.



3 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION

WestWind Energy Pty Ltd is proposing to develop a wind farm over two sections of land to the south east of Ballarat (near Lal Lal), on sites known as Yendon and Elaine. A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines, which generate electricity and feed power directly into the wider electricity supply network.

The Lal Lal Wind Farm comprises approximately 70 wind turbines (approximately 40 wind turbines at Yendon and approximately 30 wind turbines at Elaine) to generate around 150 mega Megawatts of power. Each of the wind turbines would comprise a cylindrical concrete tower of up to 85 metres in height with a three-blade rotor mounted on top. Each of the rotor blades would be up to 46 metres in length.

On-site access tracks (approximately 4 metres wide, wider on curves) linking all of the wind turbines and associated infrastructure to the existing external roads will be provided. These will be gravel tracks and will be utilised for construction, operation and maintenance activities. The tracks maybe reduced in width to a single lane (about 3 metres width) following construction.

It is not envisaged that any formal viewing platform or designated visitation facilities will be provided.

Construction of the wind farm will involve the following activities:

Construction of on-site access tracks linking all wind turbines and associated infrastructure to the existing external roads.

Construction of temporary site infrastructure, including a site office and hardstand area. These facilities will be removed and the areas rehabilitated after construction.

Construction of permanent switchyards and amenity facilities (one at each site).

Excavation of the foundations for each turbine base followed by concrete pouring. The foundations for the wind turbines are typically 12 to 15 metre diameter concrete rafts, nominally 1 to 2 metres deep.

Erection of the 70 wind turbines using different types of cranes. This activity will involve the erection of prefabricated concrete towers (in stages) up to 85 metres in height and the installation of the nacelle and rotor blades.

It is proposed to utilise existing roads (where feasible) supplemented by the creation of on-site access tracks, some of which will be retained for future maintenance purposes (refer to Appendix A). All on-site access tracks will be constructed to a suitable geometric standard to ensure that they can cater for the turning requirements of all delivery and construction vehicles. WestWind will maintain all on-site access roads and will assist the Moorabool Shire Council in the maintenance of local public roads used for the transport of machinery and construction vehicles.



3.2 EXPECTED TRAFFIC GENERATION

Outlined below is a summary of the likely vehicle generation (mainly trucks) for each of the major construction stages of the wind farm process. The figures outlined below relate specifically to external trip generation to the sites.

3.2.1 Access Track Construction

The first stage in the construction process will be the construction of access tracks (refer to Appendix A). This will involve the removal of topsoil and sub-soil along designated access tracks and the stockpiling of the material on-site for future rehabilitation works (ie. no external traffic movements).

On the assumption that no excavated material is used for the road base or other works on-site and that all existing tracks are rebuilt, the access tracks will require 2,000m3 of road base material per kilometre. The access tracks will also require approximately 450m3 of gravel sheeting (ie. surfacing) per kilometre.

A total of 24 kilometres of internal access tracks are proposed within the Yendon section (including 5 kilometres of existing tracks that will be upgraded). Assuming an average payload of 30m3 per truck translates to a total truck generation of 1,960 trucks (with the same number of empty returns). These works are expected to take place over a three-month period and therefore the site could generate around 30 trucks per day. The material is likely to be sourced from the nearby quarries along Dunnstown-Yendon Road or other locations.

A total of 12 kilometres of internal access tracks are proposed within the Elaine section (including 3 kilometres of existing tracks that will be upgraded). This translates to a total truck generation of 980 trucks (with the same number of empty returns). Assuming works also over a three-month period this translates to around 15 trucks per day.

3.2.2 Hard Stand Areas

A gravel hardstand area will be constructed at each of the wind turbines to accommodate crane platforms and construction works. An area of 35 metres by 45 metres has been assumed for each of the hardstand areas. Each hardstand area is likely to require up to 790m3 of road base material. The following truck generation is therefore expected at the Yendon Section:-

40 turbines @ 790m3 per turbine / 30 m3 per truck = 1,053 trucks (plus empty returns)

Assuming the same construction period as the access tracks over three months translates to around 16 trucks per day.

The following truck generation is expected at the Elaine Section:-

30 turbines @ 790m3 per turbine / 30 m3 per truck = 790 trucks (plus empty returns)

This translates to around 11 trucks per day over a three-month period.

In reality the hardstand areas are likely to be constructed at the same time as the access track works. This means the Yendon section could generate around 45 trucks per day and the Elaine section could generate around 26 trucks per day.



3.2.3 Wind Turbine Construction

Table 4.1 outlines the likely truck generation traffic associated with the construction of each of the wind turbines.

Description of Works Type of Truck Number

Truck and Trailer 18

Foundations Rigid Truck 2

Lowloader Trailer (up to 4.0 m wide) 16 Concrete Tower Sections

Lowloader Trailer (up to 4.8 m wide) 4

Steel Tower Section Semi-trailer 1

Turbine Hub Flatbed Trailer (over length) 1

Generator Semi-trailer 1

Nacelle Semi-trailer 1

Blades Semi-trailer (over length) 3

Small Parts and Tools Rigid Truck 1

Total 48

TABLE 4.1 EXPECTED TRUCK GENERATION PER WIND TURBINE

As can be seen from the table above each wind turbine (with ancillary equipment) could generate up 48 trucks. This translates to a total number of trucks in the Yendon Section of 1,920 and 1,440 trucks in the Elaine Section (and an equal number of empty returning trucks). However, the construction period is likely to be extended over at least one year. Apart from the trucks delivering the foundation material most other trucks will be making long haul trips from Portland or Geelong ports transporting specialised parts and equipment from Germany or prefabricated concrete tower parts from Ballarat or Ararat.

At peak times there could be 10-20 trucks per day going to each of the sites.

3.2.4 Other Works

In addition to the above, each of the two sites will require:

Temporary hard stand area for a concrete batching plants that will be removed at the end of the construction phase;

Temporary work site buildings (office, amenities, car parking) that will be removed at the end of the construction phase;

Permanent Switchyard for transformers, switchgear and metering equipment; and

Permanent staff car parking and amenity buildings (toilets, storage of minor spare parts and consumables.



At peak times the sites could generate up to 20-30 trucks per day but over a relatively short timeframe.



4 TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT

Over-dimensional vehicles that need to access the sites from regional areas in Victoria will travel via the Midland Highway, Glenelg Highway and Western Highway. All these roads are designated over-dimensional routes. There are no physical impediments along these routes to prevent the required access. Escort vehicles will be used to accompany the movement of over-dimensional vehicles along these routes to the two sites as required by VicRoads and the Shire.

From a safety and capacity perspective all of the roads that have been identified for access to/from the proposed wind farm sites can accommodate the expected truck volumes during the construction phase, for the following reasons:

Existing flows along the Midland Highway are well within the capacity of the road;

Existing traffic flows along the surrounding local road network are very low and also well within capacity;

All of the proposed roads can satisfactorily accommodate two-way flow (apart from those discussed in more detail below);

There is no evidence of any ‘accident blackspots’ or locations with safety concerns;

Most of the major local roads currently carry commercial vehicles, including quarry trucks;

All proposed access points onto the Midland Highway and local road network have good sight distances;

All of the local roads are relatively flat and straight with good forward visibility;

All sealed and gravel roads surrounding the site are in good condition. The sealed roads have been designed to accommodate commercial vehicles while the gravel roads are in good condition following recent grading and maintenance;

All roads have vegetation set well back over most of their length.

No significant adverse traffic impacts are therefore expected with the proposed Lal Lal Wind Farm development. Although the wind farm construction period may extend over a three-year period there will only be limited periods when significant truck volumes are accessing the sites.

To access the Yendon Site both Yendon Road No. 1 and Yendon Road No. 2 could be adopted for access (or a potential loop road). Yendon Road No. 1 has been constructed to a slightly higher standard but provides access to more residential properties. If Yendon Road No. 2 is used, it maybe necessary to widen the approach to Yendon Road No. 1 by temporarily removing the splitter island or widening the lane width.

Unsealed roads will be stabilised as required through grading and the placement of additional aggregate, and all roads will be reinstated to at least match existing conditions, to the satisfaction of the Shire.



The construction traffic routes have been chose to minimise access past abutting residential properties and to avoid disturbance to any existing vegetation. Dust suppressant (magnesium chloride) can be applied to the nominated construction routes to control any dust impacts.

It is recommended that the undercarriage clearance of the low-loader trailers be tested over the Geelong-Ballarat Rail Line to ensure that there are no issues with the ramp grades on the approaches. Likewise truck travel over the Moorabool River Bridge should be tested for adequacy.

Any new roads on private property will be constructed to required widths (typically 4 metres, wider through curves) and structural capacity. These will be retained for maintenance purposes and mostly likely reduced to a width of 3.0 metres.

Overall the construction traffic impacts can be effectively managed to minimise any adverse impacts. A Construction Traffic Management Plan should be prepared as part of the construction program (as discussed in the Section 5 of this report).

During the operational phase of the wind farm, traffic generated by maintenance vehicles (transit vans) servicing the wind farm sites is expected to be minimal (maximum of 5-10 trips per day) and will not create any adverse impacts.

No formalised viewing or visitation facilities are proposed at this stage.



5 CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

A detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will need to be developed for construction purposes to facilitate daily operations. The major issues associated with the preparation of a CTMP for the construction phase include:

Applying to VicRoads for a permit for oversize load carrying vehicles. It will be necessary to provide VicRoads with likely timeframes and the routes of haulage. These will be along the Midland Highway or the Glenelg Highway for specialised parts and equipment coming from Germany, via ports in Geelong or Portland. And most likely along the Western Highway for prefabricated concrete sections. In any respect a permit will be required for all oversized trucks to travel along the Midland Highway.

Ensuring that transport of all oversize load-carrying vehicles takes place during day light hours (and outside school times along bus routes such as Narmbool Road).

Preparing designated truck routes along local roads (potential loop system) and ensuring the oversize vehicles no do not run in opposing directions. Local residents should be made aware of the designated truck routes (and times).

Ensure that advance warning signage (variable message signage) is installed along the Midland Highway informing drivers of the likelihood over large vehicles turning off and onto the Midland Highway.

Providing workman for traffic control at all key intersections along the route (particularly at locations off the Midland Highway).

Additional workman (with radio contact) will need to be installed at either end of restricted road sections where only one-way flow can be accommodated. Locations where this will be required include:

− Along Yendon Road No.1 and No.2 where the road narrows around Mt Buninyong.

− Along the Yendon-Egerton Road where the road narrows over the Lal Lal Creek. It will also be necessary that vehicles wider than 5.0 metres have height clearances of at least 60cm. Otherwise the guard railing will need to be temporary removed for some periods.

− Along Yendon-Egerton Road over the Moorabool River Bridge.

− Over the Geelong-Ballarat Railway Line.

Local gravel roads are adequately maintained and watered as required.

During summer months when dust is a likely concern, the roads are sprayed with magnesium-chloride or other suitable forms of dust suppressant.

In conjunction with the Shire, some vegetation along the routes may need to be trimmed. Consultation with the Shire will be required prior to this occurring.



6 CONCLUSION

The construction phase of the proposed Lal Lal Wind Farm is not expected to create any significant adverse traffic impacts. Trucks travelling from regional Victoria will travel along designated over dimensional routes and permits for their use will be obtained from VicRoads.

All of the proposed local roads identified for transport to the sites can cater for the expected truck flows as long as regular maintenance is provided along gravel roads.

The construction traffic impacts can be satisfactory managed through the adoption of an appropriate Construction Traffic Management Plan.

All internal roads will be constructed to required specifications.

This traffic engineering assessment has excluded any structural assessment of the roads and bridges surrounding the sites.

Overall it is considered that the proposed Lal Lal Wind Farm development can be appropriately designed to minimise any external traffic impacts.

Accordingly, it is considered that there are no traffic related reasons to inhibit the granting of a permit for this development.

Appendix A. Yendon and Elaine Wind Farm Si tes

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

zMet01

YSWT39

YSWT38

YSWT37

YSWT36

YSWT35

YSWT34

YSWT33

YSWT32

YSWT31

YSWT30

YSWT29

YSWT28YSWT27

YSWT26

YSWT25

YSWT24

YSWT23

YSWT22

YSWT21YSWT20

YSWT19

YSWT18

YSWT17

YSWT16

YSWT15

YSWT14

YSWT13

YSWT12

YSWT11

YSWT10

YSWT09

YSWT08

YSWT07

YSWT06

YSWT05YSWT04

YSWT03

YSWT02YSWT01

500 1,000

metres0

LEGEND

Upgrade Existing Track New Track Existing Track (No Works Req'd)

WestWind Energy ‐ Lal Lal Wind Farm Project Access Tracks (Elaine Site)

Elaine Site Boundary Version 1 - 20070829Proposed Wind Turbine

Appendix B. Photo Summary Yendon Si te

Midland Highway at Yendon Road No.1 Looking West

�Yendon Road No.1 at Midland Highway Looking North

�Midland Highway at Yendon Road No.1 Looking East

Midland Highway at Yendon Road No.2 looking North

Midland Highway at Yendon Road No.2 looking South

Yendon Road No.2 at Midland Highway looking East

�

� � �

Yendon Road No.2 travelling Northeast

Yendon-Egerton Road at Railway Crossing looking West

Yendon Road No.2 at Yendon Road No.1 Looking Southwest

Yendon-Egerton Road at Narrow Bridge at Lal Lal Creek looking West

Yendon Road No.2 on approach to Yendon Road No.1 Looking Northeast

Duggans Road at Yendon-Egerton Road looking South

�

�

�

Duggans Road looking South

Yendon-Egerton Road on approach to Moorabool River Bridge Travelling West

Harris Road at Yendon-Egerton Road looking South

Yendon-Egerton Road at Spreadeagle Road looking East

Yendon-Egerton Road on approach to Moorabool River Bridge Travelling East

Yendon-Egerton Road at Spreadeagle Road looking West

�

�

�

�

�

�

Spreadeagle Road at Yendon-Egerton Road at looking North

�

Appendix C. Photo Summary Elaine Si te

Midland Highway at Murphys Road looking North

Elaine-Blue Bridge Road looking South

Midland Highway at Murphys Road looking South

Midland Highway at Narmbool Road looking South

Murphys Road looking East

Midland Highway at Narmbool Road looking North

�

�

�

�

�

�

Narmbool Road at Midland Highway looking West

Midland Highway at Fords Lane looking North

Horsehill Road at Narmbool Road looking North

Midland Highway at Fords Lane looking South

Horsehill Road at Midland Highway looking West

Fords Lane at Midland Highway looking West

�

�

�

Appendix D. VicRoads Oversize Load Carrying Vehicles Informat ion Bul let in

lal lal wind farm project october 2007 - home - w … lal wind farm project october 2007 prepared by...

Documents