Commuters were stuck in their cars for up to 20 minutes on Lake Albert Road. Photo: Supplied.
Wagga commuters faced lengthy delays on Lake Albert Road on Thursday morning (21 May) as Essential Energy works brought traffic to a crawl, sparking frustration among drivers already grappling with worsening congestion due to the closure of the Edmondson Street Bridge.
The arterial route – one of Wagga’s busiest roads connecting the city with suburbs such as Lake Albert and Kooringal – has experienced significantly heavier traffic since the Edmondson Street Bridge shut for reconstruction as part of the Inland Rail project.
Today’s line works added to those frustrations.
“They picked the worst possible time to do roadworks on Lake Albert Road. It took me 20 minutes longer than usual to get to work. Why can’t they do this at night?” one commuter asked Region.
An Essential Energy spokesman assured Wagga residents it was important works and just a one-off.
“Essential Energy has undertaken important maintenance work on the electrical network along Lake Albert Road in Wagga Wagga on Thursday, 21 May,” he said.
“The work was undertaken during daylight hours to ensure the safety of the crew involved.Crews replaced a condemned substation pole and other equipment in order to reduce the risk of longer-term issues in the city’s electricity network.
“Essential Energy understands that traffic was impacted at times during the work and we appreciate the community’s patience while our crews worked to maintain the safety and reliability of the electricity network. The work is scheduled to be completed on Thursday.”
Wagga councillor Mick Henderson, who uses Lake Albert Road daily, said he understands residents’ frustration about the slower pace of traffic in recent times.
“I have noticed there’s been delays, especially during peak hour traffic and when kids are being dropped off to school,” he said.
Lake Albert Road services several schools and key businesses, meaning even minor disruptions can quickly create lengthy queues during school drop-off and commuter periods.
“They are monitoring it, but progress must continue. We know it’ll affect businesses, like the golf club. People will avoid the area because of the delays.”
Inland Rail has demolished the Edmondson Street bridge in Wagga, causing traffic disruptions. Photo: Inland Rail.
The city has been juggling multiple infrastructure projects and road upgrades at once, contributing to broader concerns about traffic management and travel times.
Cr Henderson urged motorists to remain patient despite the disruption.
“Wagga has got so much going on in terms of works, so there’s a lot of disruptions all over the place. There’s pain now but in the end we will see the benefits as the city moves forward,” he said.
“I think people need to plan their trips a little better, leaving five to 10 minutes early. I know that’s not an answer but there’s not much more we can do.”
He also acknowledged frustration surrounding the Inland Rail project itself, particularly after this month’s federal announcement that the full Melbourne to Brisbane route will not go ahead.
“It’s just a train to nowhere at the moment,” he said.
Wagga Ratepayers Association president Chris Roche said he had also heard complaints from residents increasingly frustrated by traffic conditions more commonly associated with larger cities.
“If works are urgent, then we have to put up with the inconvenience,” he said.
“However, if they do general maintenance work, they could be better planned outside peak hours.”
Region asked Wagga City Council whether it authorised the Essential Energy works.
A council spokesperson said that due to staff availability, he was unable to respond by our deadline.
