Motorists and freight operators are benefiting from nine kilometres of new single lane highway between Devils Pulpit and New Italy as part of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said traffic recently moved onto the new northbound lanes while work continued along the existing highway, which will form the future southbound carriageway.
“The Liberals and Nationals in Government are working together to deliver the Pacific Highway duplication,” Mr McCormack said.
“We know just how important the project is, and together with the NSW Liberals and Nationals, I am excited to see the project progressing.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Woolgoolga to Ballina project formed part of the Pacific Highway duplication and was already delivering smoother, safer journeys for road users.
“The Pacific Highway duplication is one of the largest road infrastructure projects in Australia,” Mr Toole said.
“With more than 80 per cent of the highway now duplicated, this huge project is now on the home stretch. We’re already seeing travel time reductions of around two hours, and fatal crashes have halved.
“Once completed, the Pacific Highway will boast a four lane divided road from Hexham to the Queensland border, with improved travel reliability and better access for communities along the route.
“This is just one of the many ways the Federal and NSW governments are delivering for the regions and building for the future.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said it had been an exciting start to 2019, with more than 20 kilometres of new single carriageway already opened between Glenugie and Ballina.
“The upgrade is on track to open to traffic in 2020 and sections of the new highway will continue to open progressively as they are completed, meaning smoother, and more reliable journeys,” Mr Hogan said.
More information about the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade is available here.
