Abigroup Contractors has been selected as the preferred company to design and build the bridges necessary to complete the new Kempsey Bypass, clearing the way for work on this part of the project to begin in the middle of next year.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said as well as erecting two bridges totalling almost 2½ kilometres in length over the Macleay River and nearby floodplain, this project also involves the laying of the 14½ kilometres of dual carriageway to the east of Kempsey.

“The Gillard Labor Government is investing $618 million to build this long awaited bypass, with the main roadwork component of the project already well advanced,” said Mr Albanese.

“Once completed in mid 2014, the new bypass will take up to 2,000 trucks a day off the local streets of Kempsey as well as deliver safer driving conditions and shorter travel times for all motorists using this section of highway.

“Importantly the construction of the Bypass is just one part of the $3.1 billion capital works program we’ve rolling out up and down the Pacific Highway, with more than 1,000 workers already onsite building almost 100 kilometres of new road.

“In fact the full duplication of this road is the largest nation building road project currently underway anywhere in the country and compared to the former Howard Government we’re investing more than twice as much in the half the time.”

The Gillard Labor Government’s unprecedented investment in the Pacific Highway is being supplemented with $500 million from the Keneally Labor Government.

Mr Borger said he was pleased with how swiftly work was progressing on the project.

“The RTA will now finalise the commercial arrangements with Abigroup so they can get on with the job of designing and constructing the necessary bridges,” said Mr Borger.

“All up, the construction of the Bypass is directly employing around 450 people and indirectly supporting more than 1,400 families.”

For more information about the Kempsey Bypass project, call 1800 306 004 (toll free) or visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au/pacific.