Final countdown for Pacific Hwy opening

PROGRESS on the Pacific Hwy Upgrade continues to power ahead with the $780 million Nambucca Heads to Urunga section set to open on August 2.

The 22km four-lane divided road will bypass Urunga and includes new interchanges at Waterfall Way, Nambucca Heads and Ballards Rd.

It is designed to significantly improve safety by shifting traffic from the existing highway - long considered among the most dangerous stretches of road in NSW.

Major work on the upgrade began in January 2014, and has involved more than 200,000 cubic metres of concrete placed during construction.

Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker and State Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said the project would cater for current and future traffic demands.

"This will be the second major Pacific Hwy upgrade to open to traffic this year marking 70% completion of the Hexham to Queensland border duplication," Mr Hartsuyker said.

Nambucca Shire Council Mayor Rhonda Hoban said the construction phase had driven jobs and economic growth in the local economy.

The announcement comes weeks after the Frederickton to Eungai section of the highway opened to traffic, bypassing Clybucca - the site of Australia's worst traffic accident.

The State Government is also committed to carrying out work to improve safety and upgrade the intersection of Valla Beach Rd and the Pacific Hwy.

Details of that work are being finalised, which is expected to be carried out after the Nambucca Heads to Urunga project opens to traffic.

The Nambucca Heads to Urunga section was funded by the federal and state governments and was delivered by Lend Lease.

A rest area will also be built on the western side of the highway at the Nambucca Heads interchange.