Avoid the bridge if you can

Cars queued in Blair St this evening.

TRAFFIC has been banking up in all directions from the New Norfolk Bridge yesterday and today as work started on repairs to the road surface around the roundabout.

At the time of writing, there are queues in all directions as motorists attempt to make their way across or past the bridge.

Warnings of delays of up to 15 minutes have proved to be true, with long queues this evening stretching across the bridge and well into Back River Rd and Rocks Rd, as well as up Blair St and into Richmond St, as well as in both directions on Montagu St.

The Department of State Growth recently announced that work on strengthening the failed road surface around the Montagu St roundabout would start this week and conclude in August. Preparations were carried out yesterday and work started in earnest today.

In a Facebook post earlier today, Derwent Valley deputy mayor Jessica Cosgrove said she was a supporter of essential road maintenance but better planning was needed in relation to the times in which works are conducted.

Traffic in Blair St tonight.

"As a parent I witnessed first-hand the chaos which is occurring during school drop off [and] pick up times, and this has also been a great concern for many local residents, families, ratepayers etc. I will be writing a letter seeking that the contractors urgently reconsider their hours of operation, and I encourage all concerned parties to do the same," Cr Cosgrove said on her official Facebook page, while noting that she was not speaking on behalf of the council.

In a comment on Cr Cosgrove's post, fellow councillor Natasha Woods said it would make sense to move the roadworks to the upcoming school holidays.

In their own Facebook post an hour ago, the new operators of the Blair St Store said they were now offering a delivery service to anyone stuck in traffic in the area, with the post quickly earning a number of "likes". The store later posted that it had closed early due to the traffic disruption.

Now delivering to anyone stuck in traffic, surrounding Blair street roadworks. Please give us a call for delivery. 62612757. Thank you to New Norfolk Council and Public Road Works :)
Posted by Blair Street Store & Takeaway on Tuesday, June 9, 2020