The Maclean interchange is on track to open in the coming weeks as the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade nears the finish line.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Maclean interchange opening in August would further transform local journeys by providing safe and efficient access to the new road.
“The Woolgoolga to Ballina project is the final piece of the $15 billion Pacific Highway upgrade to make the journey safer from Hexham to the Queensland border,” Mr McCormack said.
“Since the Pacific Highway upgrade program started 20 years ago, the number of fatalities on the highway annually has dropped dramatically, from more than 50 each year to less than 20 last year.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Pacific Highway upgrade, now about 89 per cent complete, has been a major driver of jobs right along the North Coast.
“The Woolgoolga to Ballina project has created more than 3000 jobs at its peak, injecting millions into local economies,” Mr Toole said.
“This multi-generational project is already transforming tourism, freight and local journeys into smoother, and more reliable ones, which is critical for our regional communities.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the opening of the Maclean interchange was an exciting milestone with full duplication of the highway on track to be completed later this year.
“As part of the change, the western roundabout and overpass bridge will open and the temporary diversions in place at Edwards Creek and Jubilee Street will be removed,” Mr Hogan said.
“Both Jubilee Street and Cameron Street will permanently close to through traffic and local access will be via the new interchange.”
NSW Member for Clarence and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure Chris Gulaptis said motorists right up and down the coast of NSW would soon enjoy the new and improved journey.
“This is an exciting time for Maclean residents with the new interchange providing safe and quick access to the new motorway while at the same time providing improved access to the communities of Townsend, Gulmarrad and Brooms Head,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“The old overpass bridge over Jubilee Street will also be removed, and a shared user path will be built to connect pedestrians and cyclists between Maclean and Townsend.
“This path is expected to take about a month to complete once the interchange is opened to traffic.”
A community notification for Maclean interchange will be distributed to local residents to further explain the traffic changes.
The notification and project updates are also available online at pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au.
Electronic message signs will provide wayfinding information, and motorists should be aware of traffic management and reduced speed limits though the area while work continues to build the upgrade.
Motorists are asked to check Live Traffic and plan ahead to avoid any potential delays.
