BOMEN’S level crossing will be closed and replaced with an underpass by the end of the year, if Wagga City Council gets its way.
Wagga mayor Rod Kendall says council has pleaded for a hefty state government investment in the outdated and dangerous level crossing, and hopes the works could coincide with the development of the intermodal freight hub.
The restructure plans would see the current level crossing closed and replaced with an underpass, 1.5 kilometres away from the the level crossing location between Byrnes Road and Dampier Street.
“We’re in discussions at present and an application has been made,” Councillor Kendall said.
“They have been held with the state government and they’ve been pretty positive.”
He refused to elaborate on the amount of money needed to carry out the proposed project but said the funding needed was “significant”.
“It would definitely be co-funded by the state government and council,” Cr Kendall said.
The area is pegged to continue to grow and attract international industrial interest and increased traffic.
“It’s very well recognised it’s a poor level crossing.”
“It’s out of date and very unusual because of its proximity to Byrnes Road. It’s a safety risk and something we have been working very hard on replacing.”
Livestock Transport Services driver Brett Dawson supports the call.
“Anything would be better than what they have there now,” he said.
“There will be a fatality there.”
