Input wanted on Bridge Mall traffic

A PLAN to reintroduce traffic to Bridge Mall has hit another milestone, with the City of Ballarat opening public feedback on how it could look.

The City has been presented three options for the return of cars to the space, with two-way traffic flow, along with one-way east to west and west to east options on the table.

Each possibility also includes details around impacts and traffic flow knock on affects to the wider Bridge Mall and Bakery Hill area.

Two-way traffic would see the loss of the Mall’s established trees and less space for kerbside dining and Main Road to Little Bridge Street also becoming two way.

The one-way west to east option would see traffic entering from Grenville Street and exiting at Main Road, while east to west would see cars coming in at the intersection of Little Bridge Street and Main Road and heading out onto Sturt Street.

While the community feedback process is set to end on 20 August, one stakeholder group has already made their preferred option public with the Bridge Mall Business Association saying it favours the west to east route.

“The eastbound traffic flow will better connect the precinct to the CBD, have the most significant economic benefit to traders and have the best outcome for the community,” a spokesperson said.

“This single-lane option will maintain some of the beautiful streetscape element, such as the established trees and community spaces.”

Visit the City of Ballarat feedback page to have your say.