A joint press release from federal and state governments announcing community consultation meetings today on ‘refinements’ to the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale section of the Pacific Highway today was issued only yesterday.
There will be two information sessions today at A&I Hall on Station Street in Bangalow, one from noon and the other from 5.30pm.
The community is invited to have their say on refinements to the concept design for the Ewingsdale interchange and the sessions will also discuss operational noise.
‘Community members are also welcome to visit the project information centre for the latest information and updates about the project at Gate 17, Bangalow Road in Bangalow, on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday between 8am and 1pm,’ said north coast minister and Ballina MP Don Page.
Richmond MP Justine Elliot encouraged the community to view and consider the options and provide feedback by Friday 12 April.
‘The proposed design refinements involve building a new north facing on ramp, removing the existing ramp arrangement and constructing an interchange which allows for access to the Pacific Highway in both directions,’ said Ms Elliot.
‘The 17 kilometre Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade starts at the northern end of the Ballina bypass at Ross Lane and will upgrade the highway to a four lane divided road to the Ewingsdale interchange.
‘When complete, it will provide benefits such as interchanges for motorists to safely enter and exit the highway, and a continuous alternative local road link between Tintenbar and Ewingsdale for school buses and motorists who do not wish to use the upgraded highway,’ said Ms Elliot.
The $862 million Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade is jointly funded with the federal Labor government contributing $566.1 million and the NSW government contributing $295.9 million.
