The Pacific Highway upgrade is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in NSW.

A preferred route has been identified for the full length of the highway.

Environmental assessments are being prepared and designs have been developed for the remaining undeveloped two-lane sections of the highway. 

The key challenges to upgrading the highway

• Variable building costs.
• Minimising the footprint on the unique and rich environment.
• Ensuring a safe and accessible route for local communities.

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) continues to work with local communities to deliver an upgraded highway.

Environmental and physical challenges

Clearly the NSW north coast presents a physical challenge for upgrading a highway. To view maps that provide information on the challenges faced to upgrade the Pacific Highway including soft soils, flooding issues and ecological resources click on the photo to the right of this page.

Meeting our environmental sustainability obligations

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) undertakes its activities in a responsible way and manages any risks that may lead to an impact on the environment by: 

• Managing work activities consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
• Continuous improvement in environmental management.
• Considering environmental outcomes alongside safety, cost, quality and time considerations.
• Minimising pollution and managing the environmental impact from Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) activities.
• Promoting the efficient use, reuse and recycling of resources.
• Building constructive and collaborative working relationships with community and stakeholders.
• Constructing new sections of the highway as efficiently as possible.
• Working on understanding the effects of climate change and amending our designs as effectively as possible.