The Minns Labor Government has funded safety improvements at Yenda's Twigg Road level crossing which was the site of a fatal crash between a motorcycle and freight train last year.
Griffith City Council has received $178,000 for a series of road works at the Twigg Road level crossing, designed to improve safety at the north and south road approaches to the crossing.
The council will carry out the safety works including road resurfacing, line marking, new signage and vegetation removal, to improve awareness and to help road and rail users travel safely across the crossing.
The funding has been granted under two NSW Government programs; the Level Crossing Improvement Program and the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program.
In September last year, a 21-year-old local man died after his motorcycle collided with a freight train at the Twigg Road crossing.
The $178,000 in funding will deliver treatments that can improve safety in the short term.
The Twigg Road level crossing is also in consideration for a more extensive upgrade as part of Transport for NSW's future planning.
The crossing is passively controlled, meaning it has stop signs, "railway crossing" and "look for trains" signs.
In June, Griffith City Council was also granted $140,311 in NSW Government funding to improve road approaches at 28 other level crossings across the local government area.
The works at these 28 other level crossing sites include new line marking, yellow hatching, 'Rail X' pavement markings and advanced warning signage to improve motorist awareness and safety on approach to level crossings.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
"Every death or serious injury on our roads and railways is one too many. The Minns Labor Government is committed to doing everything we can to make our transport network safer, particularly around level crossings.
"The loss of a young man at the Twigg Road level crossing in Yenda was a terrible tragedy. I met with his mother last year, and I again extend my deepest condolences to his family and thank them for their continued advocacy for rail safety.
"This funding will support Griffith City Council to carry out immediate safety works such as resurfacing, new line marking, and vegetation removal, while longer-term improvements for this site are being considered."
Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton said:
"This is a much-needed safety improvement for the Yenda community, and I welcome this funding from the Minns Labor Government.
"The loss of a young man's life was a devastating tragedy that shook our region, and it's vital we take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.
"Local voices have been calling for change, and I'm pleased to see those calls being heard with action now underway."
Labor Spokesperson for Murray, Bob Nanva said:
"This funding demonstrates the Minns Labor Government's commitment to improving safety right across our regional road network.
"Every regional community deserves safer roads and rail crossings, and this investment at Yenda will make a real difference for local residents and freight operators alike.
"By working with local councils like Griffith City Council, we're delivering practical improvements that help prevent future tragedies."
