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Contractors close to completion for Pacific Highway upgrade

The Woolgoolga to Ballina leg of the Pacific Highway upgrade is now 85 per cent complete with the project finish projected for the end of this year.

Contractor BMD Constructions was awarded the contract for the main civil works between Iluka Road and Devils Pulpit in 2017.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said 2020 would be the year of openings for the project as the final link in the Pacific Highway upgrade comes to a close.

“The past 12 months have been huge with about eight kilometres of dual carriageway opened to traffic by December, including the iconic new bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood,” Mr. McCormack said.

“The upgrade is on track to be completed by the end of 2020 and new sections will continue to open progressively as they are completed.”

The Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade is expected to take about 25 minutes off journey times in the North Coast once complete.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the opening of the bridge at Harwood last year signaled the move into the final leg of the project.

“The new bridge is the longest crossing on the upgrade and opened as part of a four kilometre section of road between Farlows Flat and Serpentine Channel,” Mr. Toole said.

“The team worked hard to have the new section of highway opened before the end of the year, allowing holidaymakers to get to their destination faster and with fewer delays.”

The Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade employed 3300 workers at its peak.

The Federal and NSW State Governments are jointly funding the $4.95 billion Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade on an 80:20 basis.


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