But heavy traffic congestion at almost any time of day has turned the street into a nightmare for motorists and shoppers alike between Dawson and Victoria streets.

While Sturt Street traffic has slowly dwindled over the past decade due to several convoluted RCBD road redesigns, Mair Street has taken the brunt of the heavy vehicular load.

So, in a nutshell, what can be done about it?

Mair Street is an arterial road, so falls under VicRoads’ responsibility.

VicRoads acting regional director David O’Sullivan said a plan has been drawn up to upgrade the road to two lanes in both directions, plus turning lanes and intersection upgrades.

But the sticking point is it would require the removal of most of the existing on-street parking.

“Offsetting the removal of these carparks is addressed in Ballarat City Council’s recent CBD parking strategy, which provides off-street parking options,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Until the issue of parking is resolved, VicRoads will not submit a proposal for funding consideration.”

But Ballarat City Council’s preferred stance would be for staged upgrades to the street.

The first item on their wish list is for VicRoads to sequence the traffic lights along Mair Street so motorists can travel its length without stopping, to improve traffic flow.

Next is the removal of roundabouts before the final stage of double lanes going both ways is achieved.

Mayor Mark Harris said while the council wanted the Mair Street issue resolved as soon as possible, parking was the sticking point.

“The reality is how it can be done,” Cr Harris said.

However, he said that, along with the road upgrade, Mair Street’s commercial and retail properties could be enhanced and redeveloped, turning it into a major commercial and shopping precinct.

Cr Harris also said large multi-level commercial developments could be built along Mair Street without impacting on Ballarat’s heritage precinct, as it is one of the few CBD roads without a heritage overlay.

Commerce Ballarat is also pushing for a Mair Street upgrade.

Commerce Ballarat vice- chairman Andrew Rowan said they fully support the Mair Street development plans.

“At the current time, there is a need to free up the traffic gridlock between Humffray and Lydiard streets in particular,” Mr Rowan said.

“The area experiences high congestion and, as a result, affects business within that precinct and the smooth movement of traffic out of the CBD.

“Commerce Ballarat would therefore urge action in regards to the CBD Strategy that specifically addresses the desire to upgrade Mair Street to improve traffic management and reduce the amount of through-traffic within the CBD.

“To increase the carrying capacity of Mair Street, explore the concept of a possible configuration, which consists of two traffic lanes in each direction, separated by a central median and the installation of cycle lanes.”