A suite of projects rolling out along the Pacific Highway between Karuah and Middle Brother will deliver even safer, smoother journeys on the Mid North Coast.
The NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments are investing almost $40 million through the Road Safety Program for upgrades and improvements to reduce the risk of crashes and save lives along the Pacific Highway.
NSW Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said these works built upon the safety benefits already delivered from duplicating the 657km stretch of the Pacific Highway from Hexham to the Queensland border, which crossed the finish line in December.
“We know what a game-changer the Pacific Highway upgrade has been – a $15 billion investment by the NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments, creating more than 100,000 jobs over the multi-generational build, and reducing fatalities by more than 75 per cent,” Mr Toole said.
“Now we’re going to see even greater safety dividends because we continue to invest in projects like these that are designed to save lives on our roads.”
NSW Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the stimulus funding would improve safety for the more than 25,000 motorists who travel along the Pacific Highway each day.
“These projects are delivering upgrades to approximately 25km of the highway, and include road widening, resurfacing, installing safety barriers, and rolling out rumble strips to alert drivers when they are drifting out of their lane,” Dr Gillespie said.
“On top of improving safety, these projects are generating work for more than 250 people, which is a welcome boost to our local economies.”
NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said work will be starting on an 11.75km stretch at Ghinni Ghinni later this year to resurface and improve road levels and install rumble strips on both the northbound and southbound lanes, as well as installing sections of new safety barriers.
“Planning is also underway for improvements at the Cundletown interchange to increase safety and access for larger freight vehicles by lengthening and improving the curve of the on and off-ramps,” Mr Bromhead said.
“The upgrade of the Cundletown interchange will support the development of the Northern Gateway Transport Hub on Princes Street, being delivered by MidCoast Council.”
All projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.
