In September 2001, the RTA began investigating a route for a dual carriageway upgrade of the Pacific Highway from Kempsey to Eungai.
To view the study area, download the pdf file on the Public information section of this website.
Initial investigations and community consultation identified a number of feasible highway upgrade options. A preliminary route alignment, which integrated environmental, social and engineering aspects, was prepared for each option. These options were displayed for public comment in October 2002.
To view the route options display, download the pdf file on the Public information section of this website.
Community input was an important part of the identification of the preferred route. In February 2003, a value management workshop was held involving community representatives and other stakeholders. The workshop assessed the performance of each of the route options against a wide range of agreed criteria.
The preferred route, comprising a bypass to the east of Kempsey and Frederickton and two sub-options, was announced in December 2003. The preferred route was placed on display for community comment from December 2003 to February 2004.
To view the preferred route displays, download the pdf file on the Public information section of this website.
The final preferred route was subsequently announced with the selection of preferred sub-options in July 2004. Design development and further field investigations were undertaken during 2005. These investigations looked at the potential impact of the project in areas such as environmental, social, land use, economic, engineering and traffic.
Community input was also an important part of the work undertaken during this period. The consultation activities focussed on the identification of potential impacts and opportunities to address those impacts. Six area based community liaison groups and a flooding focus group started in March 2005.
Following the amendment of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in August 2005, this project was assessed under Part 3A of the Act. As a result, a project application was submitted to the Department of Planning in August 2006, seeking the Director-General's requirements for the environmental assessment of the project. The project application and supporting documentation is available on the Public information page and the Department of Planning's website (www.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.asp).
An environmental assessment was prepared that describes the key issues raised by the Director-General. A copy of the environmental assessment is available on the Public information section of this website.
Final approval has been granted for the Kempsey to Eungai upgrade. The Chief Executive of the RTA determined on 24 July 2008 that the upgrade could proceed subject to the conditions set out in the conditions of approval by the Minister for Planning.
More information is available on the planning approval page of this website.
Preconstruction activities have commenced in the Kempsey to Frederickton section of the project and include flood modelling, preparation of the compensatory habitat offset strategy, field investigations, preliminary design and commencement of property acquisitions.
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