Taree traffic relief route: environmental impact statement

The need for improvements to the Pacific Highway between Hexham and Tweed Heads has been recognised by governments and the community for many years. In 1987 the then Department of Main Roads initiated a study to produce a plan for the future development of this section of the Pacific Highway. After an analysis of the route including travel times, safety, pavement condition, traffic volumes and future funding provision, strategies and accompanying goals for the highway improvement were detailed. The bypass of Taree was identified as a priority falling within the 'expected' funding levels. Detailed investigations of alternative traffic relief routes for Taree commenced in 1989; however, the relief route concept has been subject to an ongoing assessment by the RTA for many years. Local concern has focused primarily on the need to remove the increasing amount of heavy vehicular traffic using the Pacific Highway from the town centre of Taree. Concern has also been expressed about the safety and congestion arising from existing river and creek crossings. Route investigations have included partial and complete bypasses of Taree with the underlying objective of maintaining, as much as possible, the town's share of highway related trade. Other project components requiring consideration were the realignment of the dangerous 'S bends through Kiwarrak State Forest, and the bypass of the small residential townships of Purfleet and Cundletown. The proposal, along with other alternatives, is examined in this Environmental Impact Statement.