Frederickton to Eungai opens to traffic – early and under budget

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher and NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay were today joined by local members to open the 26.5 kilometre Frederickton to Eungai Pacific Highway upgrade to traffic.

Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker said 27 years ago this section of highway at Clybucca experienced one of the worst bus crashes in Australia’s history. This was the catalyst to upgrade the Pacific Highway between Hexham and the Queensland border.

“Sadly, the accident resulted in the deaths of 35 people and another 41 being injured and was a result of two buses colliding head-on on the Pacific Highway at Clybucca Flat, 12 kilometres north of Kempsey,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The new dual carriage way will improve safety with a wide median to reduce the likelihood of further head on collisions.

“The number of head on crashes has so far reduced by more than 60 per cent; from more than 100 to less than 40 a year.”

Mr Hartsuyker said not only have the Federal and NSW coalition governments delivered a new and improved highway a month ahead of schedule, but have delivered this section $68 million under budget.

“The upgrade stretches from the Kempsey bypass in the south and Eungai Rail to the north, bypassing the areas of Clybucca and Bellimbopinni,” Mr Hartsuyker said.  

“In 2011 Federal Labor abandoned an 80:20 funding split ratio between the Australian and NSW governments – under Labor this highway would have taken another decade.

“The upgrade will deliver significant safety benefits and travel time improvements for the thousands of motorists who travel along the Pacific Highway each year.”

NSW Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said in the last six months the Federal and NSW coalition governments have opened two major projects, totalling more than 43.5 kilometres of highway and significantly reducing travel time for motorists.

“With the opening of Frederickton to Eungai, two thirds of the duplicated highway is now open to traffic,” Ms Pavey said.

“Later this year the 22 kilometre Nambucca Heads to Urunga upgrade will open, and by the end of the year motorists will save more than 90 minutes travel time between Hexham and the Queensland border.

“20 bridges have now been built as part of this upgrade, including seven sets of twin bridges, crossing creeks and drains to improve flood immunity, minimising impacts on motorists.

“Rest areas have also been built on either side of the highway at Cooks Lane to provide a place for road users to stop and include public amenities, barbecue facilities and play areas.”

“It’s great news the Federal and NSW coalition governments have been able to deliver and open this section of highway today.

“The numbers of lives lost continues to decline with each new milestone reached – since the upgrade began the number of lives lost on the Pacific Highway has halved.”