On Monday 30th November 2015 the Sancrox Interchange opened to traffic. This important project, located near Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales is the first stage of the Pacific Highway Upgrade between the Oxley Highway and Kempsey. This critical new infrastructure is now in place to enable further development within the Sancrox industrial area, which will act as a key driver for employment and economic growth in the Port Macquarie area.
Main activities undertaken in the delivery of the interchange included the construction of a two span Super T Bridge over the Pacific Highway approximately 600m south of the existing Sancrox Road intersection as well as more than 2kms of roadways to connect this bridge with the existing local road network and the future development zones. Other activities included bulk earthworks; asphalt and concrete pavement; drainage; locating, protecting, adjusting, and upgrading public utility services, such as water, sewer and electricity; property adjustments; safety barriers; kerbs and gutters; as well as extensive vegetation and landscaping. In order to meet RMS design requirements the final wearing course is scheduled to be placed in March 2016.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said it was fantastic to see the Sancrox Interchange open to traffic, adding
"This State and Commonwealth jointly funded project will significantly improve traffic safety by having a separated traffic arrangement to reduce the risk of an accident and importantly will facilitate the expansion of the Sancrox industrial area"
Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie said this is an important development not only in the overall upgrade of the Pacific Highway but also for the employment precinct which is being developed in the Sancrox area.
"I'd like to thank the local landholders and the NSW government who have come together with the Commonwealth Government to fund the interchange project and look forward to the rollout of the new industrial estate in the months and years ahead,"
The Sancrox Interchange is Ferrovial’s second completed project in Australia, following the completion of Nelson Bay Road Upgrade in May 2015, and the first which was federally funded. Sancrox represents an important milestone for the establishment of the company in Australia and provides an excellent example of Ferrovial’s long term commitment to the local market.