A SECOND traffic bridge over the Wimmera River in Horsham is a solution the city's councillors say would alleviate congestion on one of the state's busiest highways.
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The suggestion comes as the Horsham council provided feedback to a Western Highway corridor strategy.
Transport Victoria is developing the strategy for the highway that stretches from Melbourne to the South Australian border.
A questionnaire was distributed to local government areas and organisations to identify the strengths and challenges of the highway and rail corridor.
At the council’s meeting on Monday night, councillors agreed a response guided by its transport objectives should be submitted.
Among the council’s priorities are the removal of trucks from the central business district.
Councillor John Robinson stressed the need for a second traffic bridge, south of Horsham. He said there was “no viable alternative” to the current bridge and created problems when closed.
“In recent years, this bridge has closed due to a fire and an oil spill,” he said. “In addition to the viability, this bridge was questioned at a 2011 flood event when it was placed at risk of floating hay bales. On Black Saturday, fire trucks on the north side of the river were unable to get south side.”
Cr Robinson said a second bridge was a short-term solution that could remove trucks and dangerous goods from the central business district.
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Councillor Alethea Gulvin said a second traffic bridge would reduce congestion in emergency situations, which has “previously been an issue.”
She added that a second pedestrian bridge would further alleviate traffic congestion by promoting active transport.
Councillor David Grimble said a second traffic bridge would give “clear, direct access” to industrial precincts.
Cr Grimble said bridge strengthening and height clearances for high productivity vehicles, as well as, clearance between the rail corridor and highway were also problems.
“There is insufficient clearance for farm machinery and heavy vehicles to cross and clear the rail track when they turn left or right on the highway,” he said.
Mayor Mark Radford said a bypass of Horsham has been the focus over the last five years and the council has transport issues that could be addressed in the short term.
He said the council should voice its concerns and ideas.
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