The final 20 girders needed to build the Warrell Creek bridge are now being put in place, bringing completion of the $380 million upgrade of the Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads section of the Pacific Highway one step closer.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said construction of the bridge was progressing quickly.
“The Pacific Highway Upgrade is a critical component of the Australian Government’s record $75 billion infrastructure investment program, which is helping to change lives and save lives,” Mr Chester said.
“Installing these final 20 girders is a great indication of how close we are to seeing the upgrade, which will vastly improve safety for the region and remove trucks and holiday traffic from local streets, completed.”
Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said each girder was made at a purpose-built pre-cast site north of Macksville, with each weighing about 150 tonnes and being almost 42m long.
“The upgrade continues to boost the north coast economy as up to 4,000 workers are expected to be directly employed on the Pacific Highway when construction peaks later this year and into 2018,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said since March last year, 146 bridge girders had been delivered as part of the Pacific Highway upgrade, 80 of which were transported through Macksville at night.
“The final girders are scheduled to be delivered up until Wednesday 7 June. Motorists are advised delays of up to 30 minutes may be experienced on the Pacific Highway while the deliveries take place,” Mrs Pavey said.
The Australian and NSW governments are each contributing $415 million towards the $830 million Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads section of the Pacific Highway upgrade.
