As Warragul’s population grows, there is more traffic but no more space in the CBD area. Part of the streetscape project is aimed at better managing and redirecting the increased traffic for safety and practicality.
The one-way streets aim to make the heart of Warragul more pedestrian-friendly. There are two main benefits – improved safety and amenity. One-way traffic flow is more predictable making it safer and easier for pedestrians to navigate the town on foot.
This arrangement also encourages drivers crossing from one side of town to the other to use the outskirts of the CBD (such as Mason Street), rather than through the busy CBD space.
Why is Palmerston Street directing traffic East and not West?
The arrangement is designed to act as a giant roundabout, creating more efficient traffic flow through CBD intersections. Traffic from Palmerston Street will naturally flow into Smith Street, so that traffic can exit the CBD area through a safe and controlled intersection.
Sending traffic in the other direction would decrease the efficiency of vehicle movement through the intersection of Smith Street and Victoria Street.
People travelling north would have to wait for all south bound traffic on Victoria Street to clear, causing traffic to bank up at the Queen Street roundabout.