Traffic Engineering Report dated 31 July 2014 W D Milligan

5.0         SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Lambert & Rehbein has been commissioned to undertake an assessment of the traffic movement
aspects of the proposed poultry farm located at 136 Top Forestry Road, Ridgewood, formally
known as Lot 21 on SP226606. The subject development has been subject to previous traffic
reports however we understand that the Council remained concerned about the proposal and has
identified some uncertainties regarding the level of traffic activity associated with the proposal.
It is understood that the site is currently operating a commercial avocado farm. In the past the
site has also included a commercial mango farm and additional avocado trees.
The proposed poultry farm includes 8 poultry growing sheds with an overall area of 13,695m2
with an ultimate capacity in the order of 230,000 birds. The sheds are proposed to be 100 to 130
metres long by 16.0 to 16.5 metres wide aligned along the ridgelines through the site. The
internal configuration of the site has not been addressed as part of this assessment as this has
been subject to previous assessments.
As part of this assessment we have formulated detailed estimates of the potential for vehicle
movements associated with the proposal. The use will be a relatively low intensity use with the
growing cycle occurring over a 63 day cycle. The vast majority of this period would not see any
specific vehicular activity over and above existing staff movements. The peak activity period for
the proposed use would typically occur during the live bird collection periods which occur on 5
days throughout the grow cycle. It is important to note that even during these periods the vehicle
movements are dispersed across extended periods minimising the impacts on other road users.
From our own site investigations it appears that Top Forestry Road has been constructed at a
relatively high standard. Site investigations undertaken in April and July 2014 confirmed that Top
Forestry Road features are what we consider to be a relatively high standard running surface,
with no obvious evidence of potholes or rutting.
A reasonable guide to consider in the assessment of the gravel roads is the Unsealed Roads
Manual, published by the Australian Roads Research Board (ARRB Group). Based on the
information provided in Chapter 4 of this manual, Top Forestry Road can in our opinion
reasonably be classified as a Class 4B Minor Road. According to the manual, a Class 4B Minor
Road generally has the following characteristics:
•           All weather two-lane road formed and gravelled or single-lane sealed road with gravel
            shoulders;
•           Carries an average of 50-150 vehicles per day;
•           Operating speed standard of 30-70km/h according to terrain; and
•           Minimum carriageway width is 5.5m.



    Ref: B14101TR001_Final                       - 16 -   Proposed Poultry Farm – 136 Top Forestry Rd, Ridgewood