Work has commenced on the Pacific Highway at Charmhaven to deliver safer journeys for motorists and support dozens of local jobs.
Senator for New South Wales Hollie Hughes said an additional $850,000 has been allocated to the project through the recently announced Federal Stimulus Road Safety Program to build a U-turn bay on the Pacific Highway in response to community feedback.
“This work will help ensure the more than 17,000 motorists who use this section of the highway complete their journeys safely, as well as giving a boost to the local economy by supporting about 60 jobs throughout construction,” Senator Hughes said.
“In total, the Australian Government has committed $297.44 million and the NSW Government a further $108.2 million to fund State-wide upgrades under the first stage of the program.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the NSW Government had already provided $3.54 million through the Safer Roads Program to improve safety and reduce the risk of crashes on the Pacific Highway between Moala Parade and Jetty Avenue.
“In 2020 the community was invited to comment on the proposal, and changes have been made to incorporate their feedback into the design,” Mr Crouch said.
“Work began on Sunday and involves building a U-turn bay south of Jetty Avenue on the highway and right-turn bays at Jetty Avenue and Awaba Avenue, and banning right turns into and out of several intersections.
“The fantastic Transport for NSW team will also install a wide-painted centre median, sections of shoulder widening, new signs and line marking improvements to improve safety.”
Work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, and occasionally between 7pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday nights until the end of November, weather permitting.
Shoulder closures, intermittent lane closures at night and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and motorists.
For more information, including a copy of the final design and the community consultation report, go to: nswroads.work/charmhaven.