Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan last week attended a major milestone in the 155km Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade of the Pacific Highway, when 50 tonne girders were lifted into place on the twin Halfway Creek Bridge. “Construction is moving ahead quickly,” he said. “The new 70m long bridge at Halfway Creek is yet another milestone and will provide motorists with a safer journey.” “Each girder weighs about 50 tonnes and in total 22 will be used to form the two bridges. They will be lifted by crane and placed at intervals along the bridge spans for structural support,” Mr Hogan said. “Once the girders have been placed, work will start on the bridge decks. This is a significant piece of engineering work that will draw on the skills of local workforces. More than 40 new bridges are being constructed between Woolgoolga and Ballina to provide crossings over rivers, creeks and floodplains. Once completed the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade will shorten travel times for motorists and local and interstate freight operators by up to 25 minutes.