The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing $40 million to upgrade key intersections in Gilgandra to make them safer for heavy vehicle drivers and locals.
Four existing intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street, where they intersect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, will be upgraded to increase freight productivity, reduce travel delays and improve safety.
The Australian Government is contributing $32 million towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $8 million.
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.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"These intersection upgrades will be really significant for both Gilgandra locals and the truckies who transport goods through and around the town.
"We're proud to partner with the NSW Government on strategic investments like this that make our roads safer and more efficient."
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"Right across regional NSW, we are building better road and transport infrastructure.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Deborah O'Neill:
"This $40 million investment demonstrates our government's commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our roads.
"These upgrades will improve traffic flow and road safety, as well as deliver long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"This investment will be warmly welcomed by the Gilgandra community. Taking heavy vehicles out of the main streets of town will improve safety, make the town more liveable, decrease wear and tear on the roads and generally improve the efficiency of truck routes in the area.
"It's good to see both levels of government recognising the strategic importance of the Gilgandra Shire and the benefits that unlocking more investment in our regional network will bring."
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor's spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence:
"The upgrades we're investing in will improve safety for truck drivers, pedestrians and all other road users.
"I am pleased to see this important work progressing and look forward to hearing what the community thinks of the proposed upgrades."
