4 July 2018

The Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads Pacific Highway Upgrade in NSW has opened the final six kilometre section. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, and has been delivered by an ACCIONA and Ferrovial joint venture.

The milestone represents the highly successful delivery of essential infrastructure for NSW by the two companies, both of which are significant investors in the state and in Australia.

This event follows the opening of the initial 14km of road in December last year. The project is part of the larger Warrell Creek to Urunga Pacific Highway upgrade to improve road safety and transport efficiency and relieve seasonal traffic congestion.

The 20km project was delivered under a Design and Construct Contract managed by NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

Since activities began, the project has been a substantial driver of economic activity in the region, with over 650 people working on construction at its peak and more than 5,000 inductions onto site. Numerous local subcontractors have also been involved, creating valuable revenue streams and employment opportunities.

Fernando Fajardo, Managing Director for ACCIONA Infrastructure Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia, said: “This is a great day for the project, and a credit to the team’s hard work and dedication. We appreciate the ongoing support of the local community, and are proud to have played a central role in delivering this project for New South Wales.”

“It just shows how companies with substantial technical expertise and extensive local and international experience can create infrastructure of lasting value in Australia.”

The newly-opened section includes a rail underpass and new interchange at Warrell Creek. Overall, the project involved building 15 bridges, including a major new 850-metre bridge over the Nambucca River, two new interchanges and access ramps at North Macksville. The project has also delivered a high standard of safety, achieving 2,000,000 hours with no Lost Time Injuries.