The $16.5 million Davey Road interchange project has crossed the finish line, unlocking Albury’s booming NEXUS industrial precinct and boosting freight access to the area.
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the Australian and NSW governments both committed $7.9 million, and Albury City Council $700,000, to enable safer, more efficient vehicle access in and out of Albury’s north.
“With most of the interchange traffic coming from the south, these two new ramps at Davey Road provide a really important and direct route into the local industrial precinct and ever-expanding Thurgoona residential corridor,” Ms Ley said.
“Since the 2007 opening of the Hume Freeway, the need for these southern ramps has grown steadily and I want to thank everyone involved, especially the construction and works team, for delivering this game-changing project for our city and the region.”
Albury City Mayor Kevin Mack said the support of both governments to develop the ramps opens the way for huge economic growth at the 450-hectare NEXUS Industrial Precinct.
“These ramps will make an enormous difference when it comes to attracting investors to NEXUS,” Cr Mack said.
“The complex is well on the way towards becoming a 24/7 industrial powerhouse for our city, eventually generating $1.5 billion in gross regional product for our economy and creating an estimated 9,400 jobs in the next 30 years.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the benefits of the project to the Albury region as a whole are significant.
“These southern ramps will help reduce congestion in the area and improve safety for local traffic by distributing traffic to the Thurgoona residential area and reducing heavy vehicle volumes at both the Thurgoona and Borella Road interchanges,” Mr Clancy said.
“There is also now a direct connection for freight to the NEXUS precinct and the Ettamogah Rail Hub, both of which are key to providing economic benefits to the Riverina.
“The 450-hectare NEXUS site now has the right transport infrastructure in place to be able to continue to grow and provide opportunities for both businesses and jobs now and into the future.
“On top of improving journeys, the project has also provided 100 local jobs during construction of the ramps, including the completion of the wetlands, drainage system, earthworks and top soiling.”
