Works have begun to upgrade one of the most dangerous stretches of the Pacific Highway just outside of Byron Bay on the Pacific Highway.
The project, the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade, will include a tunnel through the dangerous St Helena section and is expected to finish by mid 2014 – weather and conditions permitting.
Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, joined NSW Member for Ballina, Don Page to turn the sod on the project on Friday morning.
“The upgrade will see the construction of a 17.3 km four-lane divided road, bringing this stretch of the Pacific Highway to motorway standard, and with it major road safety benefits,” Justine said.
“The Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section has a very adverse crash history – higher even than the overall crash rate for the Pacific Highway. Between 2002 and 2007 there were 211 reported crashes on the section, seven of which were fatal – so the project is very much needed.
“The upgrade will improve road safety and reliability for the 12,000 vehicles that travel this section of the highway every day, including the 2,300 freight vehicles.”
NSW Member for Ballina, Don Page, said the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade would reduce travel times and freight transport costs, as well as improve safety.
“The Tintenbar to Ewingsdale project will replace the existing Pacific Highway between Ross Lane at Tintenbar to the south and Ewingsdale Road at Ewingsdale to the north,” said Mr Page.
“This project is expected to save two minutes of travel time once constructed, relieving the highway motorists of the significant traffic delays experienced, especially during peak holiday periods.
“While we are duplicating this road, we are still thinking of requirements in the future. Once complete, there will be a 12 metre wide median and 11.5 metre carriageway width to allow for an additional lane in each direction in future when required,” Mr Page said.
The Federal Labor Government has committed $566.1 million to the $862 million Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade through the Nation Building Program with the balance contributed by the NSW State Government.
