The Eurobodalla’s Local Roads Traffic Committee will trial alternative routes through the roundabout at the intersection of the Kings and Princes Highways, in an attempt to ease traffic congestion between Nelligen and Batemans Bay.
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Eurobodalla deputy mayor Anthony Mayne said the committee was an opportunity for council to work collaboratively with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to find solutions to the regions traffic problems.
“Is it the ultimate answer? No it’s not,” Cr Mayne said.
“Traffic congestion is not just a problem for the Eurobodalla: it goes right up the eastern seaboard, but we have identified these blockages and we are looking to see what things we can do.”
Cr Mayne said holiday period travellers experienced significant delays between Nelligen and The Bay.
“They are all coming to that single point (the roundabout),” he said.
There are two lanes onto the roundabout from the Kings Highway. Currently, vehicles in the right lane can go straight or turn right to Batemans Bay. Vehicles in the left lane can go straight or turn left to Ulladulla.
Cr Mayne said, for the trial, both lanes would allow a right turn into The Bay.
“That will flow more traffic toward the bridge, where there is the merge opportunity,” he said.
“We think it will get more traffic through, but it’s a trial to see, hopefully over the Easter break.
“If it cuts down the time from Nelligen by 10 minutes, it will help.”
Cr Mayne said he was pleased with the committee’s previous efforts.
“We saw over the Christmas period where the RMS modified the traffic lights, so when you are coming into Moruya they stayed green longer and you would get more throughput,” he said.
“Feedback from local business on that change has been really positive.”
The Local Roads Traffic Committee consists of Cr Mayne (chair), representatives for police and the RMS, and Danielle Brice representing local member Andrew Constance.