SEE Civil Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for soft soil treatment work on the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade at Tuckombil Canal. The work will be undertaken between Tuckombil Road and Watsons Road, 3.5 kilometres south of Woodburn. The project involves stabilising the underlying soft soil, before the main construction starts. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the contract was another important milestone as part of the wider Pacific Highway upgrade package. “The Australian and NSW governments are continuing to roll out our multi-billion dollar investment in the Pacific Highway upgrade along the north coast,” Mr Chester said. “Each milestone is another important step for local motorists in improving safety and productivity.” NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay said 408 kilometres of highway had been upgraded, with work full steam ahead on the final section between Woolgoolga and Ballina. “Progress is already being made on other soft soil treatment works on the 155 kilometre section, with work starting on the first two waves of soft soil work for a 3.8 kilometre section of the Pacific Highway.” Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the soft soil treatment would provide the foundation work ahead of main construction. “The Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade crosses several floodplains and geologically complex regions,” Mr Hogan said. “The work includes installing drains into the soft soil to extract water and building road foundations to help the soil settle more quickly.” State Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said work at Tuckombil Canal was expected to start in May 2016 and be completed by mid-2017, weather permitting. “Soft soil treatment will reduce vehicle wear and tear for motorists by improving the long-term performance of the road surface and ride quality for motorists,” Mr Gulaptis said.