A local level crossing will be upgraded and a pedestrian crossing permanently closed as work to reactivate the rail line between West Tamworth and Westdale powers ahead, ensuring safety for locals and freight operators.
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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the Gunnedah Road, Dampier Street and Evans Street crossing will be upgraded with boom gates, flashing lights and bells during July to improve safety, with more rail traffic expected to service the Tamworth Intermodal Freight Facility.
"The Tamworth Intermodal will make this city the freight capital of the New England and North West and drive enormous investment and job growth locally," Mr Anderson said.
"The project includes reinstating a section of non-operational railway line to support the development of the intermodal rail facility in Westdale and link Tamworth to the state's major port.
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"The Gunnedah Road to Bridge Street pedestrian crossing will see an increased amount of rail traffic when we build the new intermodal facilities and reactivate the rail line.
"We consulted extensively with the community, and with only three objections received during the consultation feedback period, the decision was made to close this pedestrian crossing."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the crossing work was part of the NSW Government's $28 million rail activation project, increasing the capacity and reliability of freight movements across the state, and helping meet future freight demand.
"Inland intermodals are an integral part of moving freight throughout NSW by providing a delivery point load breakdown services and an interface for road to rail integration but we also want to ensure that there is safety for all around these areas," Mr Toole said.
"With a projected 28 per cent increase in the regional freight task by 2036 from just four years ago, facilities like the one at Tamworth will play an increasingly important role in connecting NSW's products to export markets."
The pedestrian crossing will close on Saturday, 31 July, with an alternative crossing point remaining in place 800m west, at Denison Street.
- More information about the project can be found at tamworth.nsw.gov.au/tamworth-global-gateway-park
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