Pacific Highway Upgrade reaches the Mid Coast

Pacific Highway safety improvements, Karuah to Middle Brother. Image courtesy of Transport for NSW.

The Federal and New South Wales governments are progressing the Pacific Highway upgrade project, with work now underway to upgrade the section between Ghinni Ghinni and Coopernook in the Mid Coast region.

The project, funded through a $22 billion joint commitment from the Australian and New South Wales governments (80:20), will focus on installing safety measures and audio tactile line marking along the 11.75-kilometre stretch of highway at Ghinni Ghinni.

The project is part of the multi-generational Pacific Highway upgrade program – a $15 billion investment by the Australian and NSW Governments aiming to reduce fatalities along the highway by more than 75 per cent.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government was contributing via its $3 billion Road Safety Program.

“This is part of a wider $40 million investment along the Pacific Highway which has been underway for several months now, with projects already completed at Karuah, Topi Topi, Coolongolook and Middle Brother, and planning for Cundletown progressing well,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“On top of improving safety, the stimulus funding will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy, with the project supporting more than 70 workers over the next eight months.”

New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the newest project was designed to reduce the risk of crashes and save lives along an 11.75-kilometre stretch of highway at Ghinni Ghinni.

“This upgrade at Ghinni Ghinni will make a real difference to the lives of locals and improve safety for the more than 25,000 motorists who travel along this part of the Pacific Highway each day,” Mr Toole said.

Work will be carried out on both the northbound and southbound lanes between Oxley Bend Road and Harrington Road.

Work will be carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week for eight months, weather permitting.

More information on the projects is available here.