Pacific Highway - Bulahdelah Bypass

Project Description

This project will provide a full bypass of Bulahdelah including a new crossing over the Myall River. The proposed Bulahdelah Bypass project comprises a new 8.6km four-lane divided highway bypass to the east of Bulahdelah from about 1.5km south of Booral Road northwards to the existing dual carriageway at Wootton Way.

Planning approval for the project was obtained on 9 July 2007. The scope of the project includes:

• M-class (motorway) standard, 110 km/h speed limit with grade-separated interchanges;
• two lanes in each direction allowing for the future addition of a third lane in each direction;
• access to the existing Pacific Highway and the township via two grade-separated interchanges;
• new twin bridges over the Myall River; and
• separation of local and through traffic by use of the existing highway with some diversion for local traffic.

Benefits

The Pacific Highway is part of the National Land Transport Network between Sydney and Brisbane and is a major corridor for freight, business and tourism travel. Currently the highway passes through Bulahdelah and divides the town. There is substantial conflict between local and through traffic with high levels of congestion at holiday times. This section of the Pacific Highway has experienced substantial growth in traffic volumes in recent years and has an unsatisfactory safety record.

This project will improve road safety, reduce travel times and operating costs for road users and reduce highway maintenance costs. Bulahdelah Bypass will improve safety and amenity for the Bulahdelah community.

Funding

The Australian Government has committed $284.8 million towards this project under the Nation Building Program. $18.8 million of planning funding has previously been provided by the Australian Government, bringing the total Australian Government contribution to $303.6 million. NSW has provided the balance of the $11.4 million.

Timetable

Preliminary earthworks commenced in November 2007 at the Southern end of the project. Clearing for the TransGrid transmission line commenced in September 2009.

Construction tenders were invited in October 2009, with award of contract anticipated in mid 2010.

Some early works commenced in December 2009 with major construction to commence in mid 2010. The project is expected to open to traffic in 2012.