Pacific Highway upgrades steaming ahead
17th December, 2014
UPGRADES to the Pacific Highway are forging ahead, with construction starting on the 20 kilometre Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads section.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads upgrade will deliver major safety and efficiency improvements to the area.
“For freight operators that means reduced business costs, for local residents it means less traffic congestion, and for all motorists it means a better and safer driving experience,” Mr Truss said.
Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said the upgrade will boost the local economy and improve safety for local motorists.
“Regional Australians deserve quality roads and this project delivers exactly that,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“This upgrade has already created jobs and other economic spinoffs for local residents and will continue to reduce travel times along the highway.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay said he is looking forward to the completion of the project in late 2017, and full duplication of the Pacific Highway by the end of the decade.
“From four-lane divided roads to new bridges and overpasses, this is a project that is important for the future of New South Wales,” Mr Gay said.
The commencement of these works means that approximately 400 kilometres between Hexham and Woolgoolga have been upgraded to a four-lane divided road, or are now under construction.
The Australian and New South Wales governments will each provide $415 million to the $830 million project.
