After years in the debating, planning and building, the long-awaited extension to Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South, opened yesterday, providing an extra interchange with the Pacific Highway.
The $17 million extension was launched with an official ceremony, together with an announcement that more is to come.
The development, which includes new on and off ramps for southbound traffic on the Pacific Highway, will help ease traffic congestion on existing roads in Tweed Heads South.
Officially opening the new stretch of road, Tweed mayor Barry Longland described it as ‘a valuable and strategic link in the shire’s arterial road network’.
‘It will provide another convenient link between the highway and the Tweed Heads South business district, further entrenching the area as the Tweed’s main commercial area,’ Cr Longland said.
He added that the council had consulted closely with the community since the first sod was turned for the project way back in March 2012.
‘Staff liaised with adjoining businesses and property owners to address issues such as road alignment and predicted traffic noise levels – as well as minimising the impact on nearby businesses and residents during construction.’
Tweed Shire Council provided $10 million for the project, with the remaining $7 million funded by NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
Construction began in November 2012 and was undertaken by local contractor SEE Civil.
The extension is the second stage of the Lower Tweed and Pacific Highway Traffic Master Plan, with four further stages planned to provide further links in the road network.
‘Planning is complete to further extend Kirkwood Road to the west, to connect with Fraser Drive,’ Cr Longland said.
‘This would reduce traffic levels on Dry Dock Road and significantly cut travel times.’
He also used the opportunity to busk for additional funding for the new project.
‘NSW government assistance has been extremely valuable to get the project to this stage and Council is hoping for further financial support to find the $30 million needed to complete the project,’ he said.
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