Two contractors have been shortlisted to design and build the Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads section
July 12, 2013
The duplication of the Pacific Highway in New South Wales between Warrell Creek and Nambucca Heads has taken a step closer to starting.
Two contractors have been shortlisted to design and build the section of road to bring NSW closer to gaining a four lane Pacific Highway between Warrell Creek and Urunga.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says Abigroup and the Acciona Ferrovial joint venture have been selected to proceed to the next phase of the tendering process.
“The preferred tenderer for the Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads section will be announced later this year, and building is anticipated to start mid next year,” Albanese says.
“In the meantime, land acquisition and investigations are continuing in the lead up to major work. This preparatory work will ensure construction of a four lane divided road connecting Warrell Creek and Nambucca Heads can proceed as quickly as possible.”
The 20kmWarrell Creek to Nambucca Heads section will include interchanges at South Macksville and Warrell Creek and new bridges over Warrell Creek and the Nambucca River.
“When complete, motorists will experience safer driving conditions, uninterrupted highway traffic flow and easy access on and off the highway,” Albanese says.
Meanwhile, building tenders have been invited for the Kundabung to Kempsey section of the highway.
NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner says the14km upgrade between Kundabung and Kempsey is part of the Oxley Highway to Kempsey Pacific Highway project.
It will provide 37.8km of four lane divided road between the Oxley Highway at Port Macquarie and connect with the recently completed Kempsey bypass.
“This upgrade will deliver safety benefits and smoother driving conditions for the 13,000 motorists and truck drivers who use this section of the Pacific Highway each and every day,” Stoner says.
“A contract for the work is expected to be awarded later this year and building work is expected to start early next year.”
The Oxley Highway to Kempsey upgrade will include interchanges at Blackmans Point, Haydons Wharf and Yarrabee roads, Kundabung and Sancrox.
It will also involve construction of a bypass of Telegraph Point, an overpass at Bill Hill Road, new bridges for the Hastings and Wilson rivers, the north coast railway and creek crossings, as well as rest areas in both directions.
A pre tender meeting and site inspection will be held this month.
Both projects form part of the ongoing upgrade and full duplication of the Pacific Highway. The Federal Government has committed $7.9 billion, with NSW providing $2.5 billion.
