The Coolac Bypass is the first major project in the Australian Government's initial $205 million funding package for further duplication of the Hume Highway and for other Hume Highway safety works in New South Wales by 2008/09. This package also includes funding for the duplication of Sheahan Bridge at Gundagai.
These projects, when completed, will provide continuous four-lane traffic conditions between Sydney and the Sturt Highway turn-off, and will form a major part of meeting the Australian Government's AusLink objective to duplicate the highway between Sydney and Melbourne by 2012.
The $179 million Coolac Bypass will upgrade the last single carriageway section of the Hume Highway north of Gundagai to dual carriageway. It will improve road safety by removing heavy vehicle traffic from Coolac.
The project includes reconstruction of the northbound Hume Highway carriageway between Muttama Creek and the Dog on the Tuckerbox. This work will remove a low standard curve on the current highway and improve travel conditions.
Key features of the project
New 11.8 kilometre dual carriageway on the Hume Highway.
Reconstruction of 4.1 kilometres of the northbound carriageway on an improved alignment.
A full four-way interchange at Cootamundra Road, east of Coolac.
An underpass for local traffic at Coleman Street in Pettit.
Replacement of the narrow bridge at Muttama Creek with new twin bridges.
New twin bridges over Daisy Bed Creek.
Separate rest areas on each side of the highway with landscaping, toilets and information on local features.
Benefits
The Coolac Bypass will provide important benefits for local residents and road users. These include:
Improving road safety with new dual carriageway and a rest area in each direction.
Removing heavy vehicle traffic from Coolac.
Providing safer access to the Hume Highway at Pettit and Coolac.
Reducing travel times and heavy vehicle operating costs.
Staged construction and opening of the bypass
Several construction stages will involve temporary traffic arrangements. The new sections of highway will be progressively opened to traffic as each stage is completed.
What happens next
The contract for construction of the Coolac Bypass was awarded to Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd on 28 February 2007. Construction commenced in May 2007 and will take approximately two years to complete.
For further information
Contact the Project Manager
Phone: (02) 6938 1111
Fax: (02) 6938 1109
Email: Wagga_Wagga_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au
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