The project

The development cycle of a large project can take more than seven years. During this period the RTA has to:

• Set strategic project limits (where it is, how long, etc).
• Identify the options and all of the constraints.
• Choose a preferred option.
• Carry out a detailed study and environmental assessment of the preferred option.
• Recommend a preferred route, with supporting detail.
• Carry out community consultation.
• Revise the proposal in light of community comment.
• Take the proposal to appropriate Government agencies for concurrence.
• Seek project approval from the NSW Minister for Planning.

The planning process is designed to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and considered, that all findings are documented and that significant findings are acted upon.

An environmental assessment report for the Coopernook to Moorland section of the Pacific Highway was completed in 2004. The environmental assessment for the Moorland to Herons Creek section was completed in 2006.

In September 2006, it was announced that these two sections of the Pacific Highway upgrade projects would be constructed as one project.

Subsequent to the EIS proposals the design of the upgrade has been refined by RTA and the Alliance for design and construction. The design refinements have been subject to community consultation.

Coopernook to Moorland project information.

Moorland to Herons Creek project information.

The Coopernook to Herons Creek upgrade will consist of the following:

• 33 km of dual carriageway generally following the existing highway.
• Western bypasses of the villages of Moorland and Johns River and an eastern bypass of Kew.
• New twin bridges at the following locations:
• Moorland railway bridge.
• Stoney Creek.
• Duplication of existing bridges at the following locations:
• Two Mile Creek.
• Stewarts River.
• Ross Glen railway bridge.
• Camden Haven River.
• Herons Creek.
• New bridges over the upgrade at the following locations:
• Forest Road, Moorland.
• Stewarts River Road, Johns River.
• Ocean Drive, Kew.
• Upgraded culverts at the following locations:
• Pipe Clay Creek.
• Holey Flat Creek.
• Tom Cat Creek.
• Walkers Creek.

• Protection and management of fauna movement across the highway will include fauna crossings and fauna exclusion fencing.
• Truck lay-bys, service roads for local access and cross-carriageway accesses.
• Urban design and landscaping along the length of the new highway.
• Traffic noise attenuation measures.