The Link Road to the west of Ballarat has so far connected several key parts of the city. The $38 million investment from the state Government will hopefully see the completion of the short section linking down to Remembrance Drive.  But the more detailed maps of the entire route to the Midland Highway are equally worth analysing because the plan will play a major part in the traffic flows, efficiency and livability of Ballarat in 25 years time. The dates for the project are vague - as much as two decades until completion and the total cost potentially reaching into the hundreds of millions.

What is this all for? One answer is to ensure there is a major transport route around the city. This incorporates the efficient movement of internal traffic, in particular to key employment hubs like BWEZ but also to carry critical regional transport. The efficiency of heavy freight along this road will not only help commercial viability for businesses but will be key to the effective operation of any Regional Saleyards on the Western Freeway keeping access to the Golden Plains livestock. But this will also have the added objective  of clearing the CBD of the same heavy transport. A city of 140,000 does not want B doubles through its centre. 

The Courier is well aware of the controversy around any plan this big. Who would like to have their dream home facing the route without prior knowledge.  This is all the more reason why forward planning is vital. Major infrastructure should at least be planned, with road reserves finalised long before the urban development sprawl is allowed to make it an issue or even unviable.

Other contentious issues that are sure to be raised will be its size. One lane or two? Dual carriageway or duplicated? The answer to these questions becomes clearer when current heavy traffic on major arterials in Ballarat is projected with an added two decades of growth. 

Then there is the costly matter of intersections. Currently the discussion plans have earmarked massive roundabouts at key crossings such as Cuthberts Road and Carngham Road. But will these be enough in 2035 when housing estates stretch halfway to Cardigan?  Will traffic lights or even overpasses be the long term solution?

The questions are many but the time for discussion on these points, even with these long range plans, is now.