New access roads, realignments and rockblasting along the first 26 kilometres of the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade show real progress being made on the Pacific Highway upgrade. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said residents and motorists can expect major traffic changes between Woolgoolga and Glenugie over the next three months. “These works started in April last year and motorists will notice some significant changes, including the Sherwood Creek Road overpass taking shape and the Luther access road at Halfway Creek and Dundoo Reach well underway,” Mr Truss said. “When complete, these upgrades will reduce travel times and fuel costs for transport operators and other motorists each and every day.” New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay said major earthwork along the new road alignment will also continue. “More than 30 per cent of earth required to be relocated has already been moved and some sections are ready for road gravel. Controlled rock blasting at Glenugie and Dirty Creek range will continue, with rock to be crushed and used elsewhere along the project,” Mr Gay said. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the upgrades will result in a four-lane divided highway between Sydney and Brisbane, with the upgrades creating local jobs and improving local amenity and access. “Works will include realigning the Kungala Road intersection at Halfway Creek, building the Lemon Tree and Corindi service roads and upgrading Eggins Drive at Arrawarra,” Mr Hogan said. “Roads and Maritime Services will inform road users of changed traffic conditions and motorists should adhere to reduced speed limits and follow the directions of traffic control.” Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said the works are being delivered in partnership with the New South Wales Government, with the upgrades set to improve road safety. “The 155 kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade is on track to open to traffic by the end of the decade, weather permitting, and is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments on an 80:20 basis,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Road safety will be improved through traffic separation and provide more rest opportunities for drivers.” Mr Hartsuyker said the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade will create up to 2,500 direct jobs and 7,500 indirect jobs. “The Pacific Highway Upgrade is providing so many job opportunities on the North Coast; local jobs for local people,” Mr Hartsuyker said For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/W2B