The Federal Government has announced a $1 billion upgrade to New South Wales’ Pacific Highway in the  nation’s Budget.

 

The announcement of the upgrade comes as Government predictions show a possible increase of three times the level of current usage by 2029.

 

The additional funding contained in the 2011-12 Budget brings total Federal investment in the Pacific Highway under the Federal Government to $4.1 billion over seven years.

 

The Pacific Highway upgrade has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a priority project.

Projects currently underway:

  • Duplication of the road at Glenugie, with work expected to be completed in 2011 - Federal contribution: $54 million;
  • Construction of the Ballina Bypass, with work expected to be completed in 2012 - Federal contribution: $421 million;
  • Duplication of the road between Sapphire and Woolgoolga, with work expected to be completed in 2013 - Federal contribution: $610 million;
  • Construction of the Bulahdelah Bypass, with work expected to be completed in 2012 - Federal contribution: $284.8 million;
  • Construction of the Kempsey Bypass, with work expected to be completed in 2013 - Federal contribution: $618 million;
  • Upgrade and realignment of the road at Banora Point, with work expected to be completed in 2012 - Federal contribution: $347 million.

In addition, work will start on the following major projects during the coming financial year (2011-12):

  • Duplicating the road between Tintenbar and Ewingsdale - Federal contribution: $566 million;
  • Duplicating the road at Devils Pulpit - Federal contribution: $62 million.