Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss announced that Specialised Geo will begin construction to stabilise and rebuild the first of two sections of Riverside Drive in February.
“This $5 million upgrade was a Federal Coalition election commitment and is fully funded by the Australian government. It is vital that we keep traffic flowing smoothly on this key road link between Nambucca Heads and the Pacific Highway on the New South Wales mid-North Coast,” Truss said.
Riverside Drive has been one of the most dangerous locations on the mid-North Coast, with motorists' lives at risk and houses under threat.
More than 8000 vehicles use the road each day under the threat of sections regularly slipping during heavy rainfall.
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the first section of works will be between Woodbell Street and Bellwood Drive, near the Pacific Highway, while tenders for the smaller section 2, near Piggott Street, will be advertised next month.
“The project will include the reconstruction of 5500 square metres of road pavement with 500 metres of new retaining structures and guardrails provided,” Gay said.
Works to stabilise the road embankment and rebuild the worst section of road are crucial to ensure the future safety of residents and motorists.
Construction of both sections is expected to be complete in late 2015.
The Australian government has committed $13.8 billion between 2013-14 and 2018-19 for transport infrastructure projects across New South Wales as part of its Infrastructure Investment Program.
