ALBURY-Wodonga traffic congestion could be back at levels experienced on the opening day of the border closure with the return to school in NSW on Monday.
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The two checkpoints on the Hume Freeway and Wodonga Place were set-up during school holidays in both states with a noticeable traffic increase when Victorian schools resumed last week.
But Murray River police district chief Superintendent Paul Smith has urged motorists to avoid the peak morning and afternoon times given the increased level of traffic anticipated from Albury schools returning.
He hoped people could steer clear of the 7-9am and 3.30-6pm times if possible.
"As we've said all along if you can avoid peak times it will make it easier for everyone," he said.
"We are going to have an increased volume of traffic and delays will be longer than they have been.
"What you can do to assist in that is avoid those times."
On Saturday, a man with an outstanding arrest warrant has been charged with drug and stealing offences after being stopped at the Moama checkpoint.
The 20-year-old man from Griffith was arrested after checks revealed he was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant.
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Upon searching the man, police allegedly located suspected house breaking implements, methamphetamine, three mobile phones, and various identity documents.
He was taken to Moama Police Station and charged with possess prohibited drug, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and possess housebreaking implements.
Police will be deployed at the John Foord Bridge between Wahgunyah and Corowa today for the first time since the border closures began.
Meanwhile, passengers arriving by train in Albury are being screened by St John Ambulance volunteers in a further attempt to control the spread of coronavirus.
The team of volunteers, dressed in full personal protection equipment, are temperature checking passengers and staff arriving at the Albury railway station as well as Wagga airport.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District clinical operations director Carla Bailey welcomed the added help.
"Murrumbidgee Local Health District is grateful for the support of St John Ambulance's capable and professional volunteers as they commence screening travellers at Wagga airport and Albury railway station," she said.
A large number of passengers arrived at the station on Saturday, many wearing face masks.
One passenger took their protection to the extreme with a full gown, gloves, face shield and protective mask.