It’s hoped a $15.8 million project to build two new ramps connecting Davey Road with the Hume Highway will help unlock Albury’s booming industrial precinct and significantly improve freight access to the area.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said this year’s federal budget listed the Davey Road work as a priority for 2021 ensuring there was accelerated funding available to build or bring forward critical road projects across the nation.
”Since the 2007 opening of the Hume Highway through Albury, the need for these southern ramps has grown steadily and now emerged as a local priority, better connecting freight movement with the NEXUS precinct and Ettamogah Rail Hub, as well as distributing traffic into the growing northern Thurgoona residential area,” said Ms Ley.
“Completing the interchange will also reduce heavy vehicle volumes at both the Thurgoona and Borella Road interchanges, which reduces congestion and improves safety for local traffic, and reduces road maintenance issues caused by extra heavy vehicles.”
Member for Albury, Justin Clancy said the 450-hectare NEXUS site in Albury’s industrial growth area was well-placed for businesses looking for quality transport infrastructure.
“We want to deliver a road network that offers the precinct the opportunity to continue to grow its quality industrial land supply beyond the next 30 years in Albury,” Mr Clancy said.
“Once completed, this will take freight to where it needs to go, reduce congestion in the area and bring distinct economic benefits to the Riverina.
“There will be up to 100 people working on the ramps during the project’s lifecycle which is sure to boost the local Albury economy.”
Albury City Mayor Kevin Mack said in addition to the two ramps at the existing Davey Road overpass connecting to Wagga Road, Transport for NSW would build an additional roundabout at the ramp intersection with Davey Road on behalf of Albury City Council.
“The ramp upgrade on Davey Road will round out a strong and integrated transport network that will connect our growing city to the national and global economy by road, rail and air,” Cr Mack said.
“We are looking forward to starting work on this long-awaited milestone, with the backing of both the Australian and NSW governments.”
Work will start on January 11, when the northern Davey Road ramps will be closed to traffic.
The work is scheduled for completed at the end of 2021, weather pending, with regular project updates to be provided to the community during this time.
Work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.
Road users will not have access to the southbound off-ramp exit from the Hume Highway and Wagga Road, past R W Henry Drive, to enter the Hume Highway until the work is completed. Motorists will need to use the Thurgoona Drive interchange, which may add up to five minutes’ extra travel time.
Electronic message signs will be installed on the Hume Highway, Wagga Road and Davey Road to notify motorists about the closure of the interchange.
More details on the project are available here.
