Traffic will flow across the first lanes of the new rail bridge at Lisarow this weekend, as the $178 million duplication of the Pacific Highway between Ourimbah Street and Parsons Road powers ahead.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government-funded project will improve traffic flow, travel times and safety on this 1.6-kilometre section of highway.
“Providing two lanes in each direction on this stretch of the highway will be a game changer for the 30,000 motorists who use this road each day,” Mr Toole said.
“We started this upgrade in February 2019, so it’s really exciting that one lane of the four-lane bridge will open in each direction in the coming days.
“The upgrade has provided work for about 1,400 people so far, including more than 150 different suppliers and contractors, putting money into the local economy at a time when it’s needed most.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the new rail bridge and adjacent approaches would replace the existing narrow and often congested bridge near Railway Crescent.
“The first half of the new bridge is supported by 27 concrete girders locally manufactured in Newcastle, which are 35 metres long and weigh between 65 and 70 tonnes each,” Mr Crouch said.
“The bridge itself contains 150 tonnes of steel, while 430 cubic metres of concrete has been used for the bridge deck.
“When it opens over the weekend motorists will get to drive on a section of new road from the roundabout at Parsons Road up to Ourimbah Street.”
Transport for NSW and its contractors will be working continuously between 6am on Saturday 9 October and the early hours of Monday 11 October, weather permitting.
The continuous work schedule is required to ensure traffic can be safely moved onto the new bridge, and motorists will not be able to enter or exit onto the Pacific Highway from Railway Crescent while this work is carried out. Motorists are asked to follow the direction of traffic control and reduce speed through the work zone.
Work is also continuing on upgrading The Ridgeway intersection to traffic lights. The completed project will also feature traffic lights at the Railway Crescent and Macdonalds Road intersections, and improved access to parking at Lisarow Station.
The next major stage of the project involves demolishing the old bridge in March 2022 in order to build the second half of the new bridge.
The $178 million project is expected to be completed in 2023, weather permitting.
For more information, go to: nswroads.work/lisarow.