A Bulahdelah upgrade community interest group has been established to ensure the local community has a say in the design and construction phases of the project.

The Bulahdelah bypass is part of a continuing upgrade to the Pacific Highway to make it safer for drivers and to cut travel times. The upgrade involves the construction of 8.6km of four lane dual highway.

Once completed drivers will be connected from the already-upgraded Bulahdelah to Coolongolook section to the Karuah to Bulahdelah section which is currently under construction.

Preconstruction activities started in November last year and preliminary earthworks and a more detailed design of the project are being undertaken.

The main features of the proposal include:

o A four-lane dual carriageway to the east of the town with limited access points to improve safety and travelling conditions.

o Major interchanges either side of the town to allow safe and convenient access to Bulahdelah for motorists.

o A reduction in traffic passing through Bulahdelah which will improve safety and amenity for local motorists and residents.

Interested community members should call the project information line on 1800 688 153 or email bulahdelahupgrade@rtc.nsw.gov.au by Friday, May 2.