Project background

The Australian and New South Wales governments funded the upgrade of the 91 kilometre section of the Pacific Highway. 

This highway upgrade was built in multiple sections with the final 17 kilometre section between Tintenbar and Ewingsdale opening to traffic in December 2015.

A number of towns have been bypassed as part of the Ballina to the Queensland border upgrade. Bypassing towns reduces travelling pinch points by diverting the major highway around a town, and takes the flow of 'through' traffic away from the town. Some of the town bypasses for this highway upgrade include Tugun, Chinderah and Ballina.

The benefits for these towns has been removing some traffic congestion in the town, reducing noise and vibration and improving road safety, making the town centre more attractive to visitors.

Since opening to traffic this highway upgrade has improved connectivity between coastal towns and regional centres. There has been improved travel efficiency with reduced travel times between Ballina and the Queensland border estimated to be saving more 45 minutes. The greatest benefit has been the significant reduction in serious and fatal road crashes.