Truckies, and other community members, are being invited to share their feedback on the next step for the new Pacific Highway interchange connecting Harrington and Coopernook near Taree, NSW.
The section of highway is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the area with 10 recorded crashes at intersections in the proposal region between 2016 and 2022, including one fatality.
The jointly funded $60 million upgrade between the state and federal governments proposes to improve road safety by removing the right-hand turns on and off the Pacific Highway while improving accessibility and connectivity for the towns of Harrington and Coopernook.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) region north director Anna Zycki said the proposal includes a new overpass bridge over the highway that connects the two roads via single-lane roundabouts.
“The design will also raise Coopernook Road between the Pacific Highway and the proposed roundabout to maintain current flood immunity,” Zycki said.
“The proposal has also taken active transport into account, with a shared user path across the bridge, and will further improve safety with adjustments to the highway median, including the removal of turning lanes, along with installation of wire rope and concrete barriers.
“The upgrade will improve traffic flow for motorists and freight, and remove the need for a right turn across the highway, reducing the risk and severity of crashes.”
As part of the project, TfNSW has published a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that looks at the potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the upgrade.
The review outlines the proposed construction methods including how the work will be managed.
“This includes proposed methods used to minimise environmental impacts on the local community through traffic, access, noise and vibration, flora and fauna, soils and water quality, socio-economic, flooding and Aboriginal heritage,” Zycki said.
“We want to hear from the local community to ensure we get this right for all road users, including residents, tourists and our freight network.
“Transport will consider all feedback received during this display period. Following the display, a report responding to submissions will be prepared and shared with the community.”
A copy of the REF can be viewed online here. It will be on display until midnight, March 10.
TfNSW is also holding community drop-in session on February 28 from 9.30am to 11.30am at Harrington Function Centre, 7 Caledonia Street, Harrington.
All well and good, but what about Houston Mitchell Dr?!
Much higher crash/fatality rate – the community crying out for years for an overpass, and ignored!
But you will build an overpass over 10 crashes in 6yrs??
Big joke. This was part of the bypass till the company tried to save money now everyone has to pay