In September 2001, Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) began investigating a route for a four-lane divided road of the Pacific Highway from Kempsey to Eungai.

Initial investigations and community consultation identified a number of feasible route options.  Preliminary route options and a description of the environmental, social and engineering aspects of each route were displayed for public comment in October 2002.

Preferred route

The preferred route, comprising a bypass to the east of Kempsey and Frederickton and two sub-options, were placed on display for community comment from December 2003 to February 2004.

The final preferred route was subsequently announced in July 2004.

Design development and further field investigations took place during 2005. These investigations looked at the potential impacts of:

• Environmental issues.
• Social issues.
• Land use issues.
• Economic issues.
• Engineering issues.
• Traffic issues.

Environmental assessment

A project application for the Kempsey to Eungai upgrade was submitted to the Department of Planning in August 2006, seeking the Director-General's requirements for the environmental assessment. An Environmental Assessment describing the key issues raised by the Director-General was placed on display for public comment in July 2007.

Project approval

The Minister for Planning granted approval for the Kempsey bypass as part of the Kempsey to Eungai upgrade on 10 July 2008. The Chief Executive of Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) determined that the construction and operation of the Kempsey to Eungai upgrade could proceed subject to the Conditions of Approval set out by the NSW Minister for Planning.

To view or download documents relating to the development, environmental assessment and project approval go to the project documents page.

Community and stakeholder involvement during development

A comprehensive community involvement program was implemented during planning for the project.