Southbound lanes of the new Banora Point upgrade started taking traffic on Tuesday morning, just in time for the Easter rush.
The northbound lanes are expected to be opened in either May or June and the whole project should be completed sometime around August if everything goes to plan.
Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Tweed Mayor Barry Longland officially opened the southbound lanes of the Banora Point upgrade on Tuesday morning, with State Member for Tweed Geoff Provest in Sydney for Parliament and unable to attend.
Residents of Banora Point are already enjoying quieter local roads, with the southbound lanes of the new Banora Point section of the Pacific Highway opening today.
“It’s been two years of construction in the making, and now we are seeing it pay dividends in both safety and efficiency,” said Justine.
“What this project is achieving for the residents of Banora Point is local roads for local traffic, and through traffic on a separate highway where it should be.”
Mayor Longland said the road was a great thing for Tweed residents.
“We all know how difficult it can be navigating through the Sexton’s Hill area,” he said.
“Anything that can improve the traffic flow has to be a good thing for the region.”
However, he warned motorists to take care with the changed traffic conditions through the area, particularly heading south, to get to or get out of Terranora Road.
“Tweed coming out of Terranora Road can no longer turn right,” he warned.
He said those wanting to access Terranora Road from the north heading south would have to go through East Banora and through the Laura Street bridge, which has been opened to traffic.
Justine said that, over the construction phase of the project, more than 400 people have been employed.
“Through the Australian Government’s Nation Building Program, we are supporting working families today, while building the infrastructure Australia needs for a safer and more productive future,” said Justine.
The $359 million Banora Point Upgrade is jointly funded through the Australian Government contribution of $349 million and the NSW Government contribution of $10 million.”
