The Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade is 25 kilometres of four lane divided roadway with a continuous alternative local road between Sapphire and Woolgoolga for local traffic.

Planning process

In September 2001, Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) began investigating a route for a dual carriageway upgrade of the Pacific Highway from Sapphire to Woolgoolga.

Environmental assessment

The environmental assessment process considers all relevant environmental matters, including community and interest groups in the development of the proposal and the assessment of its potential impacts.

Issues that emerge from the investigations and community consulation are considered by the project team.

Project approval

Approval for the Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade was granted by the NSW Minister for Planning on 13 January 2009. The Chief Executive of the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) subsequently agreed to proceed with the construction and operation of the project subject to the conditions set by the Minister for Planning, Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority)'s project priorities for upgrading the Pacific Highway and funding.

Community and stakeholder involvement

The project team has involved the community and stakeholders in all aspects of the development of this project. Community involvement has included information sessions, meetings, letterbox drops, newsletters and advertisements.

Community and stakeholder consultation will continue to play an important part in the design and construction of this project.

All information relating to the planning, environmental assessment and community involvement for the Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade is available on the project documents page of this project website.