Albury to Illabo: Traffic and Transport Modelling
This information explains the key findings from the Albury to Illabo Preferred Infrastructure Report and the proposed solutions for bridge construction sequencing, and vehicle and pedestrian detours.
December 14, 2023
Why has further modelling been undertaken?
- To further understand construction and operational traffic impacts and mitigation measures informed by revised traffic modelling
- Progress design details of the Edmonson Street bridge, Kemp Street bridge and pedestrian bridges
- Conduct further assessment of the proposed rail crossing treatments, considering the impacts on traffic, road safety, emergency services and surrounding residents and business operators.
Key traffic and transport modelling findings
During construction:
- While Edmonson Street bridge is being reconstructed, diverted traffic will add to traffic congestion and may put high strain on the intersections of Docker Street and Lake Albert Road with the Sturt Highway, Railway Street and Lake Albert Road
- In Junee, during reconstruction of the Kemp Street bridge, average travel time increases by 16 seconds in the AM and midday peak hours, and by 37 seconds in the PM peak hours
- Some streets (mainly in Wagga Wagga and Junee) may exceed the maximum environmental threshold capacities because of temporary traffic diversions or construction vehicles
- Cassidy Parade pedestrian bridge, Edmonson Street bridge, Wagga Wagga Station pedestrian bridge and Kemp Street bridge have the most pedestrian activity around school start and finish times, with Wagga Wagga station pedestrian bridge seeing the most foot-traffic (408 pedestrians between 7am and 6pm).
Once Inland Rail is operational:
- Level crossing closure periods would increase when an Inland Rail train passes through, as Inland Rail trains may be up to 1,800m long whilst current trains average 1,200m long.
Proposed solutions
In addition to mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the following further measures will be considered during construction:
- Wagga Wagga signal optimisations at:
- Sturt Highway/Docker Street
- Sturt Highway/Best Street
- Sturt Highway/Lake Albert Road
- Railway Street/Lake Albert Road.
- Lengthen and demarcate left turn lane on Railway Street at Lake Albert Road intersection (western approach left/right turn lanes).
- Improved lane delineation and removal of on-street parking/creating clearways at particular times.
- Signal optimisation at the Young Street/Smollet Street/Railway Place intersection in Albury.
- Keep clear markings in Junee at:
- the intersection of Olympic Highway/Main Street
- circulating lanes of the Olympic Highway/Main Street.
- Extending the existing right turn lane on the south approach of the Olympic Highway/Broadway roundabout.
- To address impacts during closure of Edmondson Street and Kemp Street bridges, separate Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) compliant, pedestrian bridges have been included at Kemp Street bridge and Edmondson Street bridge to maintain connectivity.
- Construction scheduling has been revised to reduce diversion distances.
Access the Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR) here.
