Pacific Highway duplication finally complete

After more than two decades, the Pacific Highway duplication between Hexham and Brisbane is been officially announced as completed.

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said the road is now safer with a 75 per cent reduction in fatalities per annum.

Mr Toole said the duplication saves two-and-a-half hours on the 657km trip.

Speaking at today’s official celebration of the completion of the project, Chair of the Australian Trucking Association David Smith said the project would save lives over the Christmas break, and it was of great significance to the trucking industry and every road user.

"The completion of the Pacific Highway duplication is an important moment for Australia and road safety,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s important for Australia because it’s a key freight route. It is the second busiest interstate road freight corridor in Australia,” he said.

“The safety importance of the upgrade is highlighted by the tragic Grafton truck and bus crash, which occurred on 20 October 1989. Twenty-one people died and 22 more were injured – the worst crash in Australian road transport history at the time.

“A key recommendation out of the coronial inquiry into the crash was to duplicate the highway.

“The Australian Trucking Association was also established in response to the tragedy,” Mr Smith said.

“The completion of the upgrade is an enormous win for our industry and every road user, and we are so thankful that after so many years of strong bipartisan government commitment, we have finally seen the completed duplication,” he said.

“The upgrade will deliver better safety outcomes for our drivers. Drivers play an essential role and are out on our roads every day, working hard to keep Australia supplied. They deserve better roads,” Mr Smith said.

“On behalf of industry, I want to thank successive NSW and Australian governments for their action and recognition of the importance of this nation building project.

“The completion of the duplication upgrade has come in good timing, as traffic ramps up with motorists hitting the road to visit loved ones or take a well-earned break during the holidays,” he said.