The new Ocean Drive Bridge over the Pacific Highway east of Kew is now open to traffic.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Transport Minister David Campbell said the completion of the bridge was a significant milestone in the jointly funded duplication of the Highway between Coopernook to Herons Creek.

“I’m pleased to announce the new Ocean Drive Bridge is now open to traffic, improving safety and driving conditions for local motorists by providing access over the Kew Bypass construction site,” Mr Albanese said.

“The 33 kilometre Coopernook to Herons Creek project is the longest section of the Pacific Highway to be upgraded since the entire project started.

“This $555 million project is what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building for Recovery strategy is all about. Directly and indirectly it is putting up 1,600 Australians to work building the infrastructure vital to our nation’s long term economic prosperity.

“All up, we’ve committed $3.1 billion over the next six years to upgrade the Pacific Highway – our biggest investment in any single road in Australia.”

Mr Campbell said the new bridge takes traffic over continuing construction work for the Kew Bypass.

“The RTA is working well with alliance partners Theiss and Parsons Brinckerhoff to deliver the upgrade as early as possible,” Mr Campbell said.

“The new bridge will mean that work on the bypass of Kew can continue free from the traffic on the highway, which translates to fewer delays for motorists for the duration of the project.

“I thank motorists for the patience they have shown while these upgrades are carried out.”

The Coopernook to Herons Creek upgrade is expected to be completed in the first half of 2010, weather permitting.

For more information on the project please go to the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au/pacific or phone 1800 353 670 (toll free).