Traffic lights to boost safety on Olympic Highway
3 August 2020
The preferred options to improve road safety and reduce congestion for motorists crossing the Gobbagombalin Bridge in Wagga Wagga have now been released.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said traffic lights would be part of the $20 million upgrade to the Old Narrandera Road and Travers Street intersections along the Olympic Highway after extensive consultation with the community.
“We know increased development to the north of Wagga Wagga has placed traffic pressure on either side of Gobbagombalin Bridge creating pinch points which has resulted in numerous crashes,” Mr Toole said.
“After undertaking traffic modelling and talking to the community, traffic lights and additional lane capacity were found to be the safest and most efficient options to allow traffic through both intersections.”
Member of the Legislative Council Wes Fang said the introduction of traffic lights will reduce the number and severity of crashes and provide the added benefit of reducing maintenance costs, with the design allowing more lanes to be added in the future if needed.
“The community expressed strong concerns that changes were needed either side of Gobbagombalin Bridge to improve safety and this is what we’re delivering,” Mr Fang said.
“While congestion is an issue that we are addressing, our primary objective is to provide the safest outcome for road users in Wagga Wagga and the vehicles who pass through on the Olympic Highway.
"As well as installing traffic lights and an additional traffic lane, the preferred options also include the removal of the roundabout at Travers Street and the merge lane on the Olympic Highway at Old Narrandera Road.”
Mr Fang said the intersections will also be linked via an intelligent traffic management system connected to the rest of Wagga Wagga to improve traffic flow.
The community is encouraged to view the preferred options at Olympic Highway intersection upgrades.
Transport for NSW will discuss the preferred options with key stakeholders and the community before preparing a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), which will be released to the public for further feedback.