Safe road a step closer

Clarence Valley Council Mayor Richie Williamson.

CLARENCE Valley residents will welcome the opening of the final stage of the Pacific Hwy Glenugie upgrade.

The completion of the $60 million Federal and State-funded project provides motorists with a 3.4km dual-lane carriageway in another step towards road safety.

Despite rainfall delaying the opening, Clarence Valley Council Mayor Richie Williamson was positive about the road and its impact on travellers.

"We've worked on this project since January 2010, so today is to be applauded," Mr Williamson said.

Dry weather was beneficial in the final application of the sealant before opening the road, Pacific Hwy general manager, Bob Higgins said.

"It needed to be ensured that the road surface was dry with the use of this sealed, non-flick product," Mr Higgins said.

State Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis said the project was beneficial for both environmental and safety reasons.

"The surface seal used is both high quality and cost-effective," Mr Gulaptis said.

"The road goes through state forest so the project used an erosion-resistant surface that's long-lasting and doesn't require as much maintenance."

While the long-term completion of the Pacific Hwy upgrade won't occur until 2016, the project team's preparation for the final stage of government funding is well under way.

"We're organising teams known as Priority One and Two that will be ready to undertake the project when we hear about Federal funding," Mr Higgins said.

After a final coat of spray sealing, Mr Gulaptis opened the upgrade yesterday afternoon.

"At this stage the important thing is that people follow the road and signs," Mr Higgins said.