Edward River Council and Transport for NSW will deliver major upgrades to Hardinge St which will include a series of turning lanes and traffic islands.
While the idea has been widely applauded, some in the transport and agricultural industries say they don’t adequately address all the congestion points and existing traffic challenges.
The proposed upgrades will take place between Harfleur St and Octhertyre St to “make it better and safer for all road users”.
The project includes new concrete median strips and turning lanes, a new road surface and new kerbing and guttering.
There will also be new marked parking bays established in safe places on the road, pedestrian crossings introduced for safer foot traffic and landscaping.
Phase one of the project, which has already begun, will see a new stormwater drainage system and larger water main put in place.
Phase one will continue for much of this year in stages, with the changes to the roadway itself expected to start from February next year.
Before then, local stakeholders said more consideration needs to be given to the placement of some islands and the impact on traffic flow.
Deniliquin Freighters general manager Russell Tait said the area surrounding the Hardinge St complex, in particular, needs more thought.
“When Mitre 10 was developed, they were made to put in a service road for access.
“When the supermarket was built next door, they were not required to do the same and therefore we have increased traffic, and freight trucks are needing to back in to the delivery bay off the highway.
“That whole area is a challenge because of previous ad hoc decisions.
“Our current council has inherited that, but now going forward, the most important thing is safety.”
Mr Tait said his suggestion to those running early consultation on the project has been to have only one entry and exit point to the complex car park, at the Wood St end of the block.
He said this would ease congestion at Henry St, which Nick Metcalfe said is also a major concern for him.
While he has welcomed the plan to add a turning lane at the intersection, he said it’s a mistake to only have a turning lane into Henry St and not the car park as well.
“The approach to Coles has never been practical - there’s barely enough rooms for cars to continue to flow through when someone is turning, let alone trucks and other large vehicles.
“The congestion around that one-way entry has always been an issue.
“I raised it many years ago when I was on the council and these plans do not resolve it, or any of the other issues I have raised in the past.
“From a truck driver’s point of view, if a car slows down and has to come to a stop at the entry, the 85 tonne vehicle behind them cannot stop so easily.
“We need a solution that allows people to turn safely to either side of the road, without impeding the traffic behind them.”
Mr Metcalfe also raised concerns about lane widths after the implementation of all the new median strips, and whether wide loads and ag machinery will be able to navigate them.
Other stakeholders have also said functionality for all road users will be key in moving forward.
Mr Tait believes it can be achieved as long as there is continued and varied consultation.
“In the long run, if we get it right it will be a good thing.
“The key is safety for all road users, and as long as the community is consulted and listened to, I’m sure we can come up with the right solution.”
Council has so far only held one community drop in session on the proposed plans, and CEO Jack Bond has indicated there may be targeted consultation with transport stakeholders.
For more information about the project, including concept plans of the proposed work, go to www.haveyoursay.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/hardinge-street-road-reconstruction-project. The site also includes a link for submissions.
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