MOTORISTS will benefit from reduced travel times and improved road safety on the Pacific Highway with the Devils Pulpit upgrade opened to traffic today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Australian Government was getting on with the job of building national infrastructure projects for Australia’s future.
“The Australian Government has committed $5.64 billion from 2013–14 to duplicate the entire Pacific Highway by the end of the decade,” Mr Truss said
New South Wales Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay said the upgraded highway would deliver a significantly safer driving experience.
“The project targeted crash prevention through barrier installation and incorporates a new roadside rest area to help prevent driver fatigue,” Mr Gay said.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan represented Mr Truss at the opening of the carriageway and the new Tabbimoble rest area to traffic.
“With the completion of the Devils Pulpit project, 58 per cent of the Pacific Highway between Hexham and the Queensland border is now four-lane divided road,” Mr Hogan said.
New South Wales Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the Devils Pulpit upgrade involved duplicating approximately 7 kilometres of single carriageway between Grafton and Ballina.
“The Devils Pulpit Upgrade will also reduce travel times, operating costs and ongoing highway maintenance costs,” Mr Gulaptis said.
The Australian Government provided $62 million towards the $80 million Devils Pulpit project. The New South Wales Government contributed $18 million.
Kevin speaking at the official opening before the $80 million bypass is opened to traffic
