More of the Pacific Highway will now be duplicated following the decision of the Federal and State governments to commit an extra $60 million towards the long term task of upgrading the entire road between Sydney and the NSW border.

Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, and NSW Roads Minister, Michael Daley, today announced an additional seven kilometre section of the Pacific Highway at Glenugie, 60 kms north of Coffs Harbour, will be duplicated.

“The Glenugie project will be delivered using money that’s in addition to the record $2.45 billion the Rudd Government is investing in the Pacific Highway through the Nation Program,” said Mr Albanese.

“Once completed, the new section of duplicated highway will deliver safer driving conditions and reduced travel times.

“We are investing more in the Pacific Highway than in any other road in the country, a recognition of its significance to national economy.”

The project is a joint initiative, with the Federal Government providing $54 million and the NSW Government a further $6 million.

NSW Minister for Roads Michael Daley welcomed the additional funding saying it demonstrated the firm commitment of both governments to improve safety on the Pacific Highway.

“This money will be vital in improving road safety and generating more jobs for people in northern NSW,” Mr Daley said.

“The funds will not only duplicate the highway, it will also go towards the sealing of road shoulders to provide motorists with more room to recover if they do get into trouble.

“Creating a divided highway with a clear central median will also reduce the risk of head-on collisions.”

Work on the Glenugie upgrade will begin by the end of the year, with this new section of Highway expected to be open to traffic by the end of 2011.