Pacific Highway Upgrade

Kempsey Bypass

Bridge naming update

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is moving closer to naming Australia’s longest bridge as part of the Kempsey bypass Pacific Highway upgrade.

RMS received more than 800 written and online submissions and around 70 names have been suggested. Read More>>

Flood Impact Assessment

As part of the Kempsey Bypass Project’s Environmental Assessment, a Flood Impact Assessment (PDF 8MB) was undertaken. This report has since been amended in response to the design refinements of the Kempsey Bypass, including amendments to reflect the final configuration of the Macleay River and Floodplain bridge.

Project snapshot

Completed

Contractors: Roads and Maritime Services has formed an alliance with Leighton Contractors, AECOM and Coffey Geotechnics to build the Kempsey bypass.
The bridge over the Macleay River is being built by Abigroup Contractors under a separate design and construct contract.
Form of contract: Alliance and design and construct contract
Start date of major construction: June 2010
Completion date: March 2013
Project value: $618 million
Australian Government contribution: Fully Federal Funding (Building Australia Fund) $618 million

Background

The Kempsey bypass project was approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on 10 July 2008.

As part of the Building Australia Fund, the Australian Government announced that it would provide $618 million for the construction of the Kempsey bypass.

The 14.5 kilometre Kempsey bypass project is part of the 40 kilometre Kempsey to Eungai project, which extends from the existing dual carriageway south of Kempsey to the existing dual carriageway at Eungai Rail.

The bridge over the Macleay River and Floodplain will be 3.2 kilometres long on completion, making it the longest bridge in Australia.

The Kempsey Bypass was opened to traffic on Wednesday 27 March 2013.

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

Looking north towards the bridge over the main northern rail line, after opening to traffic Looking west at the southern interchange, with asphalt paving of the northbound off ramp in the background First traffic travelling on the southbound lanes near the southern interchange Looking south towards South Kempsey interchange after opening to traffic Macleay River and floodplain bridge just before opening to traffic Macleay River and floodplain bridge, ready for opening to traffic Looking south at the Southern Interchange Looking south at the Southern Interchange Ribbon cutting Unveiling the plaque Road Sweep Bridge Flooding of Macleay River and floodplain in February Last portion of rock being removed from Macleay River rock platform Removal of bridge construction access track complete south of South West Rocks Road looking nth toward Crescent Head Road Looking sth toward North Coast rail crossing Asphalt paving Completed barrier re-introduction of normal traffic conditions on South West Rocks Road Looking north from Stump Creek Removal of Macleay River and Floodplain bridge access track Removal of remaining rock from the river platform Looking north at completed linemarking on Macleay River and floodplain bridge Linemarking of Macleay River and floodplain bridge Looking east at the Northern Interchange Extension works for the Northern Interchange Looking south at Verge works Looking north at the Southern Interchange Working on the new boat ramp