Mr Campbell said the $555 million upgrade was a major boost for local economies with around 440 people working directly on the project and over 1300 indirect jobs created.

“The 33 kilometre upgrade will mean a four lane divided road between Coopernook to the south and Herons Creek to the north.

“The upgrade will provide significant benefits to road users, including improved safety and reduced travel times once it is completed.

“To give you an idea of the scale of work this section of the upgrade is using an incredible 2000m3 of concrete every day to get the job done,” Mr Campbell said.

“I am pleased to be out here in Kew at the northern end of the project to see how well work is progressing on this important upgrade. The upgrade is due to be completed by mid-2010.

This is the longest section to be upgraded on the Pacific Highway so far. The project is jointly funded by the NSW and Federal governments.

The Coopernook to Herons Creek upgrade will include:

* 33 km of dual roadway

* Western bypasses of the villages of Moorland and Johns River and an eastern bypass of Kew

* New twin bridges at Moorland railway bridge and Stoney Creek

* Duplication of existing bridges at Two Mile Creek, Stewarts River, Ross Glen railway bridge, Camden Haven River, Herons Creek

* New bridges over the upgrade at Forest Road, Moorland, Stewarts River Road, Johns River, Ocean Drive, Kew. * Animal crossings * Truck lay-bys, service roads for local access .