The NSW Minister for Planning approved the Pacific Highway Banora Point upgrade on the 26 February 2009.

Once completed, this section of road will be:

• A six-lane 2.5 kilometres of four lane divided carriageway from Barneys Point bridge to the Tweed Heads bypass.
• Retention of the existing Pacific Highway as a local access road.
• Connection of south-facing ramps at Barney's Point Bridge with a southern interchange roundabout.
• A land bridge about 75 metres wide that will provide a parkland connection between east and west Banora Point at Wilson Park.
• A 330 metre long viaduct across the valley south of Sexton Hill.
• Northern interchange connecting to Darlington Drive and Minjungbal Drive.
• Realignment and upgrade of the existing coastal cycle pedestrian route through Banora Point.
• Realignment of Laura Street to meet with Short Street and the existing Pacific Highway at a four-way intersection with traffic lights.

Development process

Planning for the Banora Point upgrade started in April 2004.

The development process considered a range of issues including environmental, social, engineering and cost factors.

Two options were displayed for public comment in April 2005.

Further information on the options considered and the reports on the investigations undertaken can be found on the project documents page.

Preferred project

The preferred concept design for the Banora Point upgrade was announced in September 2006.

The preferred project was selected after consideration of:

• Field investigations.
• Submissions received.
• Comments received from other government agencies.
• Outcomes of the value management workshop held in May 2005.
• Further development of the concept design.

The project provides the best overall balance between functional, ecological, social and economic considerations. From the options displayed in 2005 and design suggestions and comments were received in council and community submissions.

The design was refined during the environmental assessment. The environmental assessment was placed on display for public comment from 20 February to 31 March 2008.

A report on the submissions received in response to the display was lodged with the NSW Department of Planning on 4 July 2008.

Copies of the environmental assessment and submissions report and other related documents are available from the project documents page section.

Following further consultation with the community and local businesses, the design was further refined by the current project team.  For more information on these refinements and their development go to the project documents page section.

Community involvement

Community input was an important part of the development of the preferred project.

Community involvement activities during the projects development included the following:

• Community information sessions.
• Community updates.
• Advertisements.
• Information displays.
• Community liaison group.
• Traffic focus group and noise focus group.
• Stakeholder meetings.