2 October 2020

The Yoogali intersection upgrade is powering ahead with the new bridge on the Irrigation Way now open, improving safety and traffic flow.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said a huge amount of planning had gone into the development of the $14.8 million project to upgrade the intersection at Yoogali, east of Griffith.

“I’m so pleased to see work progressing through each stage of the project, after a four-month closure and a number of detours, vehicles are now using this magnificent new bridge,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This stage of work involved removing the old bridge, laying a concrete slab on the canal floor and craning in 42 locally made, pre-cast concrete bridge sections weighing a combined 357,000 kilograms, or the equivalent of about 280 small cars.”

NSW Acting Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the project would improve safety for all road users by upgrading traffic efficiency and heavy vehicle accessibility at the intersection, and minimising queuing over and near the level crossing.

“This project is just another example of how serious we are about investing in and supporting regional towns across NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“We know how important jobs are to regional communities right now, which is why this project has supported 45 regional jobs and engaged 32 regional contractors.”

Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the project demonstrated how the Federal Government was listening to the community after concerns were raised about safety and congestion at the intersection.

“On top of the Irrigation Way bridge now open to traffic, new wider, resurfaced lanes have also been completed on the Kurrajong Avenue and Irrigation Way intersection legs, to tie with traffic lights when the upgrade is completed,” Mrs Ley said.

“Once finished, the project will improve traffic through the area and limit queuing over the level crossing at the intersections of Burley Griffin Way, Irrigation Way, Mackay Avenue and Kurrajong Avenue.

“While work has impacted traffic for a number of months, road users can take heart in the fact the new intersection is on schedule for completion by mid-November.”

Next stages of the project involve widening and upgrading the road surface on Mackay Avenue and installing traffic lights.

This $14.8 million project incorporates $4.4 million of funding through the Australian Government Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and $10.4 million of funding though the NSW government, including the Level Crossings Improvement Program.            

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.