Work on the nation’s largest, most complex road construction project – the full duplication of the Pacific Highway – continues to gather pace following the turning of the first sod on the upgrade at Devils Pulpit on the NSW North Coast.
Page MP Janelle Saffin – representing Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese – and NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay were today joined onsite by Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis and workers from John Holland, the company awarded the job of rebuilding this seven kilometre section of highway.
“After months of extensive planning, detailed design work and preconstruction activities, I’m very pleased to be here pressing the ‘go’ button on this long awaited project,” said Ms Saffin.
“Once completed in 2013, the Devils Pulpit Upgrade will deliver safer, smoother driving conditions for the 8,000 motorists and truck drivers who use this section of the Pacific Highway each and every day.
“The project will also provide local residents with better access to their properties, install animal crossings and lay better drainage to lessen the likelihood of this section becoming inundated and dangerous during heavy downpours.”
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the upgrade of the Pacific Highway had long been a priority for the NSW Liberals & Nationals.
“It’s great to be here today to mark the start of work on yet another section,” said Mr Gay.
“Unlike the former Labor Government, we are firmly committed to upgrading this notorious stretch of highway and we are pleased to be working together with the Federal Government to get this job done as quickly as possible.
“The rebuilding of this vital highway will significantly improve its capacity to move people and freight between Australia’s largest and third largest cities safely and quickly, not just for the next three years but for many decades to come.”
Mr Gulaptis said the local community welcomed the news that work was now underway and that the entire project was on track to be completed within less than two years.
“Today’s event represents a major milestone in the massive task of upgrading the Pacific Highway to a four-lane divided road all the way from Hexham near Newcastle to the Queensland border,” said Mr Gulaptis.
The multi-million dollar Devils Pulpit Upgrade will be completed with funding from both the Federal ($62 million) and NSW ($11 million) governments.
For more information on the Devils Pulpit Upgrade go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/pacific or call 1800 882 183.