Transport operators are facing smoother and safer journeys with the official opening of the Griffith Southern Industrial Link (GSIL).
The project has been rolled out in stages since 2017 and is around 11.7 kilometres long connecting Thorne and Bromley Roads southwest of Griffith, around the town centre to Kidman Way and Irrigation Way. The GSIL, which was officially opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday 7 August, now provides a direct link for transport operators to access key local freight networks of Kidman Way, Irrigation Way and Burley Griffin Way and while bypassing the Griffith CBD.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the Griffith Southern Industrial Link Road would mean safer, more efficient journeys for truck drivers and other road users.
"It's wonderful to see this key link road now open and working. The Griffith region is?a crucial part of the state's transport system, and this route provides a direct link for truck drivers to access key local freight networks while bypassing the Griffith CBD.
"This is a great example of all three levels of government working together for the benefit of the community. I commend Griffith City Council on its vision and delivery of this important project."
Council's Director Infrastructure and Operations, Mr Phil King said he was pleased to see this work completed.
"The completion of these stages of the Southern Industrial Link is a significant milestone for Griffith," he said.
"The project has involved the widening and construction of the existing roadways, the construction of three roundabouts at existing intersections and realignment to two existing intersections."
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said the work carried out will help improve connections to freight networks and the safety for all road users, including heavy vehicle drivers.
"The GSIL has been a massive undertaking that Council is proud to have achieved over the past seven years," Councillor Curran said.
"With so much activity coming out of the Griffith region, it is pleasing to see infrastructure that will remove very large vehicles from our city centre."
Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said "The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Griffith City Council to deliver this much-needed heavy vehicle corridor to enhance freight transport services for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
"The Griffith Southern Industrial Link will streamline heavy road freight movements around Griffith and take heavy freight vehicles away from Banna Avenue and the city centre," she said.
"Projects like this one which bypasses Griffith, will enable more efficient freight transport deliveries and improve safety for truck drivers.
"This combined funded program will make a real difference for motorists and industry alike by making transport routes safer and smoother, and I look forward to seeing the benefits from these latest projects flow.
"I'm pleased that the Australian Government is a major funding partner for this project which will make the heavy freight movements far safer and more efficient around Griffith while improving safety for all other road users too."
"This rural road freight link provides a safer and more efficient heavy vehicle transport connection avoiding the busy city centre of Griffith, delivering the improved infrastructure truckies and residents deserve."
Council is now planning for Stages 3 and 4a of the GSIL which involve upgrades to Kurrajong Avenue and Thorne Road from Kidman Way to Murrumbidgee Avenue.
