The transport industry has condemned Edward Street as unnecessarily dangerous and a handbrake on economic growth.

Now well-known Wagga trucking industry leader Geoff Crouch has joined mayor Rod Kendall, Committee 4 Wagga CEO Chris Fitzpatrick and Wagga Business Chamber president Tim Rose demanding Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) take urgent action.

Mr Crouch said it was time to end the dangerous mix of big rigs and family cars on local roads.

“A bypass would undoubtedly be a safer option,” he said.

“It would end the problem of truck drivers contending with motorists cutting in on trucks at sets of lights, cyclists and pedestrians.”

Mr Crouch said the city deserved better than to be split down the middle by a freight route. 

“A bypass is something of critical importance to Wagga’s economic future and the living standards of locals,” he said.

“If the bypass could link up with Bomen industrial park and what will hopefully be the Bomen freight hub, it would increase transport efficiencies for every major local industry.

“It wouldn’t just be of benefit to operators servicing the city, it would be of equal value to truck drivers forced to use Edward Street as a thoroughfare.

“It’s quite hard for truck drivers going to west to east, especially having to contend with the underpass at the Tarcutta Street intersection.”