Traffic has got so heavy in Bendigo’s CBD that trams are being left stranded at intersections.
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Bendigo Heritage Attractions, the City of Greater Bendigo and VicRoads are looking at ways to improve traffic flow after tram drivers raised issues about being stuck at intersections.
Bendigo Tramways depot supervisor Luke Jenkins said the main problem happens at intersections where a single tram track coincides with a right-hand turning lane.
He said problems mainly occurred at the Don and High street and the Chapel and McCrae street intersections.
Other problem streets included Short Street, Wattle Street and Mundy Street.
“I've been at the tramways for 15 years and in my time the traffic has significantly grown,” he said.
“Instances when we are sitting at a set of lights and new (oncoming) cars come in to the turning lane, is where it gets frustrating.
“Normally we can go on a green light but we can't in situations where (oncoming cars) are in the turning lane.
“The cars in the turning lane get the green arrow but often cars in the distance pull into the lane. By the time they are there it’s red and we have to wait for another set of lights.”
Mr Jenkins said Bendigo Tramways was in discussions with a number of organisations to find a solution to the traffic issues.
“There’s no easy answer for it right now because so many parties are involved,” he said. “It's about making sure due process takes place and all parties are happy.
“We want to make sure people understand where we are coming from. It's about understanding and common courtesy more than anything.”
Bendigo Tramways traffic inspector Mick McGowan said a lack of double tracks past Mundy Street caused the problem. The tram track was reduced to a single track in the mid-to-late 1980s.
“If we had double tracks (past Chapel Street), we wouldn't have this issue because the tram would go with the flow of the traffic,” he said.
“That decision (made in the 1980s) has created the problem we are now having with the right hand lanes.”
Ideas including the introduction of a hook turn that is used at Melbourne intersections have been raised.
“The issue is the idea of a hook turn might be confusing for Bendigo motorists, simply because hook turns only apply to Melbourne (drivers),” Mr McGowan said.
There is also concern about the affect delays could have on tourism.
“If we have have to (be stationary) for a number of sets of lights, tourists get ansty and on edge, especially if they have to make a connection or have other obligations,” Mr Jenkins said.