NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Roads Sonia Hornery today officially opened a new rest area on the Pacific Highway at Browns Flat on behalf of the Federal and NSW Governments.

Ms Hornery said highway traffic had also been switched on to the new southbound carriageway over a 13 kilometre section between Karuah and Bulahdelah.

“I am delighted to be here today to open this much needed rest area at Browns Flat for motorists travelling down the coast,” she said.

“I’m particularly pleased this new area can accommodate heavy vehicles, giving truck drivers another place to take a much needed break.

“Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on our roads, which is why the opening of this rest area today is so important for the safety everyone using this highway,” Ms Hornery said.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese welcomed the opening of the new southbound lanes which forms part of the joint-funded upgrade of the Pacific Highway.

“Thirteen kilometres of the new southbound carriageway are now open from just south of Nerong to the start of the existing dual carriageway north of Myall Way,” Mr Albanese said.

“This traffic switch means that work can now start on the upgrade of the existing highway, which will form the new northbound carriageway.

“I’m also pleased to report the $262 million upgrade from Karuah to Bulahdelah is progressing well, with work on track to be completed by the end of 2009,” he said.

The 23km project starts about two kilometres north of Myall Way and ends about one kilometre south of Booral Road, which is three kilometres south of Bulahdelah.

It includes the building of seven new twin bridges, two new rest areas, truck lay-by’s, bus bays, provisions for cyclists and fauna underpasses.