The Pacific Highway intersecting Coffs Harbour.  Picture: Keagan Elder

by Matt Deans

Melinda Pavey on Coffs Harbour Bypass: The Coffs Harbour Bypass will be the next construction project after the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade, the State Roads Minister says.

How far the billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Pacific Highway bypass is from the horizon may be indicated come Federal Budget night.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said she hoped the May 8 budget would deliver a “line of sight” for the future of the 14-kilometre city centre deviation.

Resolute that there was no uncertainty clouding the future of the project, Ms Pavey confirmed she and Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker have already met with and briefed Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack in Canberra on the bypass project following his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister.

Roads and Maritime Services is finalising the strategic business case for the bypass to be submitted to Infrastructure Australia, which has deemed the project to be one of national significance.

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