ANY near future plans for a duplication of Gobbagombalin Bridge has been squashed by a Roads and Maritime Services spokesman.
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The RMS regional and outer metropolitan executive director Roy Wakelin-King told a NSW Budget estimates hearing last week that the agency has "no plans" to duplicate the Gobba Bridge "at this stage".
It has been argued by both community leaders and residents alike that the arterial road leading to-and-from the state's second fastest growing suburbs and the Special Activation Precinct might have already reached its capacity.
Mr Wakelin-King said the agency is working with Wagga City Council on a road network study, encompassing the entire city.
He said the study has investigated the intersections located north and south of the bridge as a way to improve the road's capacity rather than duplicating the bridge.
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Committee 4 Wagga Alan Johnston chief executive said the road capacity of Gobba bridge needs to "stay front of mind" just like any other major arterial roads that has been planned and worked on in the city.
Mr Johnston said he awaits the study's release to hear the alternatives put forth.
"At the end of the day if they come up with something that solves the problem without duplicating the bridge then problem solved," he said.
"The roundabout on the southern end and Old Narrandera Road at the northern end were by-election funding promises, so we expect that to proceed."
Wagga councillor Dan Hayes said the city has been waiting some time for the study commissioned by the state government.
He said it appears from last week's hearing that the RMS has made decision before the community has been able to read its findings.
Cr Hayes said the corridor comprising of Edward Street and the Sturt and Olympic Highways has been a long, ongoing conversation that the community should be a part of every step of the way.
"If their figures show that the duplication of Gobba Bridge is unwarranted then show them and have a conversation," he said.
"It is important that we are planning for Wagga's future. The bridge is not about fixing it for now. In fact it is not necessarily a strong argument that there is busy traffic in the morning and night. But, we need to be looking at will it meet the future need of Wagga in 20 years time."
The Wagga's road network study has experienced delays, but is expected to be released in the coming months.