The Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade is taking another giant step forward this month with major work starting on the 35-kilometre section between Glenugie and Tyndale. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said about 1.4 million cubic metres of earth and rock would be moved in this section of the upgrade in preparation for major work to start next year. “The Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway has been notorious for accidents in the past, and I am pleased with the excellent progress of work already underway on over half the 155-kilometre upgrade length,” Mr Chester said. “The Australian and New South Wales governments’ duplication of the Pacific Highway is on track for completion by 2020.” New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay said contractor Seymour Whyte would carry out the work. “The works will include clearing, erosion and sediment controls, drilling and blasting of about 500,000 cubic metres of rock, as well as installing animal fencing,” Mr Gay said. “The fencing will be installed along the route to minimise the impact of the upgrade on sensitive environmental communities.” Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said Roads and Maritime Services took the project’s conditions of approval, including to protect local wildlife and preserve aboriginal heritage, seriously. “The project team has worked hard to ensure they are delivering the best outcomes for all communities along the route,” Mr Gulaptis said. “As part of the project we are building a haul road to help keep large earthmoving equipment off local roads, improving road safety for the local community.” Early work on this section, which is part of the wider 155-kilometre project, will be carried out for about 12 months, weather permitting. For more information on the project visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/W2B