Survey investigations are now underway for an upgraded intersection on the Pacific Highway at Harrington and Coopernook roads in New South Wales, as part of a $60 million project to improve the safety and traffic flow of the section.
The investigation work is set to be used to help inform the concept design and a Review of Environmental Factors will include traffic modelling, drainage, road and structural designs, as well as environmental studies including biodiversity and flooding studies.
The upgrades will feature a grade-separated interchange and will form part of the next stage of works after the full duplication of the Pacific Highway.
Early works will aim to progress the design for the upgrade, which is set to benefit the 5000 motorists who move through the intersection daily.
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the overpass was a high priority project for
local residents accessing the busy M1.
“Traffic counters are being installed and surveyors are carrying out early works to develop the concept design, which is expected to be displayed for public comment next year. I’m thrilled to see work underway on such a significant safety improvement for our region,” Gillespie said.
State Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the Federal ($48 million) and New South Wales ($12 million) governments commitment to the project would deliver improved safety outcomes for the North Coast community as well as tourists and freight operators.
“After the community raised safety concerns with me, I’m pleased to say that this grade-separated interchange will improve road safety for all road users, ensuring local road users can join the highway more safely,” Williams said.
Transport for NSW will engage a contractor in the first half of the year to continue developing the concept design for the intersection improvements and start work on the Review of Environmental Factors.
This stage is expected to begin by mid-2022.
For more information on the works, click here.
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