Background

The NSW Minister for Planning approved the project on 13 January 2009 which did not include a rest area. Roads and Maritime Services' (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) rest area strategy for the Pacific Highway aims to provide rest areas at about 50 kilometre intervals.

The preferred location for the rest area is proposed at the Arrawarra interchange. An environmental assessment of the proposed rest area location was on display in April 2011 and a submissions report is currently being prepared.

The Sapphire to Woolgoolga Pacific Highway upgrade project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

This project will provide a four-lane divided highway extending approximately 25 kilometres from Campbell Close, Sapphire, to Arrawarra Beach Road, Arrawarra.

For more information on the project background, view the project overview page.

Key construction activities during December 2011 and January 2012

• Continue with fenceline clearing and installation of fencing.
• Install and maintain erosion and sediment controls.
• Continue with the placement of concrete barriers.
• Continue relocating utilities.
• Continue property adjustments.
• Continue earthworks and drainage work on the upgrade section.
• Continue bridge works throughout the project.
• Continue earthworks and drainage works on the bypass section.
• Complete clearing of the Arrawarra interchange.
• Continue blasting in a cut about 1km north of Bark Hut Road, Woolgoolga.
• Continue construction of fauna crossings between Bark Hut Road and Embankment Road.

For more information on recent construction activities, view the project construction page.