HORSHAM residents have questioned whether a second pedestrian bridge over the Wimmera River is needed.
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Horsham Rural City Council, at its latest meeting on Monday night, paused preliminary plans on a second pedestrian bridge over the river to determine its highest transport priorities.
A subsequent Wimmera Mail-Times’ article, titled Horsham council hits pause on a second pedestrian bridge, prompted a discussion in the community and via the masthead’s Facebook page about traffic congestion at the intersection of Stawell and Williams roads.
The high volume of traffic at the intersection can be attributed to a single bridge connecting the south-side of Horsham to the city’s centre.
Jim O’Connell said the site of the proposed second pedestrian bridge would be an ideal location for a second traffic bridge. He said the congestion issue around the estates off Williams Road was a “nightmare”.
Heather Phillips said Horsham council made the right decision to delay a second pedestrian bridge and instead assess the “big picture”.
“When the big picture is thoroughly researched and proper planning occurs, the bypass route and needs for extra bridges will be easy decisions. Without the appropriate research, it’s all guess work and makes for difficult decision making,” she said.
Real estate agent Gerry Smith, who is overseeing the selling of land at the Waterlink Estate around Stockton Drive, said congestion was not an issue for people purchasing land in the area.
“The congestion has no impact whatsoever and I don’t believe there is a problem. It is all pretty normal for a town this size – it’s nothing outrageous,” he said. “It’s a first-world problem and by Melbourne standards, there is no problem.”
Horsham council’s technical services director John Martin said the concerns about traffic congestion at the intersection of Williams and Stawell roads was valid.
Mr Martin said an in excess of 20,000 vehicles were crossing over the highway bridge per day.
He said a number of council documents identified the need for another traffic bridge over the Wimmera River. However, council does not have immediate plans to construct a second bridge.
“It’s of medium priority. We do not have an immediate plan and we need to do further work on where and when those bridges would be built,” he said.
Mr Martin said councillors voted to revisit the Horsham integrated transport strategy at its meeting on Monday night.
He said the study would assess a whole range of transport issues, which will help determine council’s highest priorities.