The federal and New South Wales governments have revealed a $40 million investment in upgrading major intersections in Gilgandra to make them safer for heavy vehicle drivers.
As part of the funding package, four existing intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street will be upgraded.
The upgrades will occur at where the two streets intersect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways in a bid to increase freight productivity, reduce delays and improve safety.
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“These intersection upgrades will be really significant for both Gilgandra locals and the truckies who transport goods through and around the town,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“We’re proud to partner with the NSW government on strategic investments like this that make our roads safer and more efficient.”
The upgrades will be designed to open up bypass access for all heavy vehicles and reduce the number of heavy vehicles passing through the Gilgandra CBD.
Currently, some larger heavy vehicles are unable to use Gilgandra’s heavy vehicle bypass because these intersections can’t be safely navigated, meaning some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles need to travel along the Castlereagh Highway (Miller Street) through the town centre.
The NSW government has carried out preliminary investigations to determine the requirements for each of the key intersections and is currently consulting with Gilgandra Shire Council and other key stakeholders to refine the proposed improvements.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept designs for the proposed intersection upgrades are expected to be placed on display for public feedback by late 2025.
“Right across regional NSW, we are building better road and transport infrastructure,” NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with Gilgandra Shire Council, the local community, the heavy vehicle industry and other interested stakeholders to deliver the freight, safety, efficiency and amenity objectives of the project.”
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