City of Greater Geraldton calls for part of local road to be taken on by Main Roads due to heavy vehicle use

The City of Greater Geraldton wants Main Roads to take ownership of part of a local road due to heavy vehicle traffic in the city’s west. It has concerns over Marine Terrace, which has received more heavy traffic near the port entrance where it intersects with John Willcock Link. According to the council, trucks use John Willcock Link to enter the port but leave via Marine Terrace and Portway to get back to the main road. City infrastructure services director Chris Lee said while John Willcock Link was purpose-built, the other roads were not designed to suit heavy vehicles. “We’re seeing these super quad trucks coming in and out of there and the road is suffering,” he said. “It’s a city owned road and we acknowledge that, but to upgrade that little section of road to heavy haulage standards is incredibly expensive. “The roads were never designed for the kind of traffic and the heavy haulage we’re seeing.” Mr Lee confirmed the council had asked to have the missing links of the loop be considered as Main Roads’ responsibility. According to the city, Main Roads has said it would consider adopting the roads but only if they were upgraded prior to the handover. Mr Lee said the cost to the community to do so would be significant. “These roads are no longer providing the level of service that you would expect from a local government,” he said. “We’ve got these two little pieces that are absolutely critical in terms of joining the heavy haulage route to the port. “It’s under city ownership, but we’re expected to maintain and now upgrade for millions of dollars if we want to change them over.” Main Roads WA said local governments could request a clarification assessment to reclassify roads but evidence was needed to get approval. A spokesperson said they were working with the council to find a solution. “Main Roads is in the early stage of discussions with the City of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest Port Authority regarding the Geraldton Port maximisation project,” she said. “Should Marine Terrace meet the relevant criteria to be considered for reclassification, any transfer timing would depend on available funding, asset responsibility agreements with the city and other parties, and would be subject to Treasury approval. “Main Roads is currently undertaking rehabilitation of the pavement at the intersection of Marine Terrace and John Willcock Link to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of heavy vehicles into the port.”