Ken Kanofski – CEO of RMS, Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser, Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis & NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance move the barriers to mark the official opening of the Woolgoolga to Halfway Creek section of the Pacific Highway to traffic & Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis and NSW Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey welcome the first line of traffic through the new upgraded section. Image: Contributed

Motorists are now enjoying a smoother and safer journey along 10 kilometres of new divided highway as part of the 14-kilometre Woolgoolga to Halfway Creek Pacific Highway upgrade. Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Woolgoolga to Halfway Creek upgraded section adds to the 493 kilometres of the Pacific Highway, around 75 per cent, which is now four-lane divided highway. “This is one of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects in terms of changing lives and saving lives, and progress is continuing with a further 47 kilometres due to open over the next six months,” Mr Chester said. “The project will deliver increased productivity and reduce road trauma for decades to come.” New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, today joined Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser, to open this 10 kilometre section of upgraded highway. “Work is progressing well on the Pacific Highway, with the opening of the Halfway Creek to Glenugie section in August and the Kundabung to Kempsey project last month,” Mrs Pavey said. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said these works brought huge economic, social, and travel benefits to locals and tourists driving through Northern New South Wales. “As part of the Woolgoolga to Halfway Creek upgrade, all highway traffic is now travelling on the new divided carriageway between Arrawarra interchange and the new interchange at Range Road,” Mr Hogan said. “After opening the 10 kilometre upgrade to motorists, finishing work will now be carried out at the Range Road interchange to allow the new southbound off ramp to be built in the shortest time.” Mr Gulaptis said motorists travelling to Corindi Beach and surrounding areas will be directed to use the Arrawarra interchange as a temporary arrangement for two weeks. “Further work will be carried out between Arrawarra Interchange and Tasman Street to complete the medians and new local intersections, which is expected to take around four weeks, weather permitting,” Mr Gulaptis said. Mr Fraser said there will be temporary changed traffic conditions while work is carried out on sections of the upgrade, and a new rest area is built. “There will be one lane in each direction on the divided highway with a speed limit of 80 km/h in place for the safety of workers and motorists,” Mr Fraser said. For more information on the Pacific Highway upgrade, visit the Roads and Maritime Services website at http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/pacific-highway/index.html.