Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 21 February, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 21st of February, 2018,
Greater Shepparton City Council endorsed the Draft Wanganui and Ford Road, Shepparton Feasibility Study Design Report (Draft Report) and released it for public comment last night at the Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Draft Report provides for the upgrade of Ford Road to become a key strategic east-west link between Stage 1 of the Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass (Shepparton Bypass) and the Shepparton Alternate Route (Doyles and Grahamvale Roads). It will also aid in the realisation of a freight supply chain network around Shepparton and Mooroopna.
The Ford Road route was identified as the best option for an arterial east-west connection between the Goulburn Valley Highway and the Shepparton Alternate Route from at least 2006, with the adoption and implementation of the Greater Shepparton 2030 Strategy 2006 and recent strategies undertaken in coordination with VicRoads, including the Greater Shepparton Freight and Land Use Strategy 2013.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Kim O’Keeffe said “Council is aware there are residential properties along Ford and Wanganui Roads that may be impacted and sought to understand the design constraints and any issues it may raise.”
“Council undertook pre-draft consultation with land owners and occupiers of land along Ford and Wanganui Roads in April and May 2017 and invited interested parties to attend drop-in sessions to ensure all issues were known at the pre-draft stage. Freight operators were also invited to attend these workshops,” she said.
Council received 16 pre-draft submissions outlining a variety of concerns and further issues that should be addressed as part of the investigation. Council and VicRoads undertook additional assessments to further inform the investigation including assessment of intersection treatments, a road safety audit, a landscape master plan, flood modelling and an acoustic assessment.
The findings of the Draft Report include a concept design to increase the road reserve cross section width for Wanganui and Ford Roads creating three distinct cross sections for various sections of the route, and provide intersection upgrades along with a landscape master plan for the ultimate design of the entire route.
The upgrade of the route will realise a freight supply chain network surrounding Mooroopna and Shepparton; remove freight movements from the Mooroopna and Shepparton CBDs having significant safety benefits; and improve freight efficiencies for operators to strengthen their sustainability and provide opportunities for future economic prosperity.
The route will also become a landscaped boulevard to enhance the amenity of the area and will provide for the segregation of vehicular traffic from all other users of the road to provide a greatly improved safety environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
It will also provide sheltered left and right-hand turn lanes for safe turning movements; lead to improved drainage infrastructure along the entire route; and upgrade Ford Road to support its ongoing role and function as a key east-west connection.
The Draft Report estimates the total cost for all works required to allow Ford and Wanganui Roads to act as an arterial east-west link to be $100.64 million. Any future upgrade is likely to be dependent upon securing funding for Stage 1 of the Bypass.
“We invite affected land owners and occupiers of land along Ford and Wanganui Roads to attend a number of one-on-one workshops with Council officers, VicRoads officers and GTA Consultants Pty Ltd over the course of March and April,” said Cr O’Keeffe.
The following dates are available for land owners and others interested in the Draft Report to meet with Council officers:
You can arrange an appointment by calling the Building and Planning Department on (03) 5832 9730.
The closing date for submissions on the Draft Report is Monday, 23 April 2018.
Following consultation, Council officers will review all feedback, comments and submissions received. The final Wanganui Road and Ford Road, Shepparton: Feasibility Study Design Report is expected to be further considered by Council in mid-2018.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 24th of April,
Boot Swap almost here supporting local families and players this sporting season
Greater Shepparton City Council is reminding the community that the Boot Swap is fast approaching, giving local families a simple way to access sporting gear and help more young people stay involved in sport. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Community urged to have their say as MDBP review shapes Greater Shepparton’s future
Greater Shepparton City Council is urging residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the Murray–Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, warning the outcomes will have long term impacts well beyond agriculture and will influence everyday… Read more
Thursday 23rd of April,
Community voices highlight growing pressure on essential services in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council is reinforcing its State Budget advocacy, highlighting the growing pressure local residents, workers and businesses are experiencing as demand for essential services continues to outpace investment. Read more
Tuesday 21st of April,
Budget commitment marks progress for Shepparton rail services
Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s budget commitment to increase train services on the Shepparton line, following sustained advocacy by Council since 2023. Read more
Monday 20th of April,
Massive week of BMX in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council has wrapped up another massive week of sport, with the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships concluding on Saturday 18 April. Read more
Friday 17th of April,
Greater Shepparton secures headline BMX Racing event ahead of Olympic Games
Greater Shepparton City Council is pleased to announce that Shepparton will become the focus of international BMX Racing when it hosts two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in 2028. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Monday 27th of April,
Mighty Movers
Looking for something active for your 2–6‑year‑old? Read more
Friday 1st of May,
Bee Gees Revival - 10th Anniversary Tour
Direct from Melbourne, replicating the Bee Gees exquisite three part harmonies, backed by the big sound of the Night Fever band. View on Riverlinks
Thursday 23rd of April, – to Monday 1st of June,
Nature Neighbours
Come along to an outdoor-based group to connect with yourself, others and nature Read more
Monday 27th of April,
Connecting with the Past at Shepparton Library - Guide to the State Library of Victoria Resources
Want to discover more about your ancestors and build your family tree? Join library staff as they take you on a journey to discover your family’s history. Read more
Friday 1st of May,
CANCELLED: Dion and Randall International presents Shake Rattle 'n' Roll
Dear Valued Patrons Due to circumstances beyond our control, the performance of Shake Rattle ’n’ Roll scheduled to perform on Friday 1 May 2026 will not be proceeding. Riverlinks and Shake Rattle ’n’… View on Riverlinks
Friday 24th of April,
Art in the Park
Art in the Park is finally returning, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring creativity back into the sunshine. Read more
See All Events