Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, and NSW Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, today welcomed completion of the Pacific Highway safety upgrade at Shark Creek near Grafton.

Mr Albanese said the $3.4 million second stage of the Shark Creek project was jointly funded in a 50:50 split by the Federal and NSW governments.

“This upgrade is an excellent example of how the Federal and State governments are working together to deliver real road safety benefits along major freight and tourist routes such as the Princes Highway,” Mr Albanese said.

“This second stage at Shark Creek involved rebuilding a one kilometre section of the Pacific Highway, about 35 kilometres north of Grafton.

“The project included minor road realignment and the widening of the eastern shoulders of the road to improve safety for road users,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Daley said the work, which was part of the total $20 million Shark Creek upgrade package, would make this section of the highway smoother, straighter and safer for all road users.

“The project is part of several major safety works on unduplicated sections of the Pacific Highway between Grafton and Ballina,” Mr Daley said.

“The first stage of the Shark Creek upgrade was completed in December 2005.

“The joint Federal and NSW government funding is granted to areas along the Pacific Highway with a high crash history.

“These joint funding arrangements demonstrate the firm commitment of both governments to improve safety on the Pacific Highway.

“It’s great the two Labor governments can work so closely together to provide the best outcomes for local communities and travellers in our regional areas,” Mr Daley said.