ESTELLA residents have backed a proposal to install a variable-message sign (VMS) to the north of the Gobbagombalin Bridge.
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Mounting traffic woes at one of Wagga’s main thoroughfares has pressured civic leaders to implement a short-term fix for congestion.
The idea, spearheaded by road safety engineer Lex Stewart, has been welcomed by a growing contingent of motorists.
Freight truckie Dean Cunningham said the use of electronic message signs was particularly useful in areas of high congestion.
He said it would “make sense” to install one in Wagga’s northern suburbs – near the Gobba Bridge.
“You want to give people a chance to find a different route before it’s too late so the traffic flow doesn’t continue to build up,” she said.
“Anybody who has been stuck on that bridge and late to work would probably support it.
Estella’s Liam Woods, who crosses the bridge every day, said a VMS would be a suitable way to combat congestion pending the duplication of the Gobba.
“I don’t see why anybody would be against it,” he said.
“In the grand scheme of things, this seems to be a cost-effective way to keep traffic in order.
“I’d say go for it.”
The importance of the Gobba Bridge’s duplication was stressed by Committee 4 Wagga (C4W) in its latest Strategic Plan.
According to its projections, movement along the bridge will double before 2025.
“Planning should begin now to prepare for the inevitable need to accommodate higher demand,” the report said.
A spokesperson for Roads and Maritime Services said the suitability of a VMS in Wagga’s north would need to be researched.
“Electronic message signs are a highly effective traffic management and community engagement tool used extensively by Roads and Maritime Services across a wide variety of projects and situations.”