Have your say on proposed Pacific Highway interchange at Harrington and Coopernook roads

Community members are being invited to share their feedback on the next step for the new Pacific Highway interchange connecting Harrington and Coopernook roads.  
As part of the project, Transport for NSW has published a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that looks at the potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the upgrade.
Transport for NSW Region North Director Anna Zycki said the Australian and NSW governments are delivering this interchange with an overpass bridge to improve road safety, traffic flow and travel times.  
“These intersections provide a local connection between the communities of Harrington and Coopernook,” Ms Zycki said. 
“They currently require motorists to complete a right turn across two lanes of traffic, travelling at 100 kilometres an hour on the Pacific Highway. 
“Between 2016 and 2022, there were 10 recorded crashes at intersections in the proposal area, including one fatality.    
“The proposed upgrade would improve road safety by removing the right hand turns on and off the Pacific Highway while improving accessibility and connectivity for the towns of Harrington and Coopernook.”
Ms Zycki said the proposal includes a new overpass bridge over the highway that connects the two roads via single-lane roundabouts.  
“The design will also raise Coopernook Road between the Pacific Highway and the proposed roundabout to maintain current flood immunity,” Ms Zycki said.
“The proposal has also taken active transport into account, with a shared user path across the bridge, and will further improve safety with adjustments to the highway median, including the removal of turning lanes, along with installation of wire rope and concrete barriers. 
“The upgrade will improve traffic flow for motorists and freight, and remove the need for a right turn across the highway, reducing the risk and severity of crashes.”
Ms Zycki said the REF prepared by Transport for NSW outlines the proposed construction methods including how the work will be managed. 
“This includes proposed methods used to minimise environmental impacts on the local community through traffic, access, noise and vibration, flora and fauna, soils and water quality, socio-economic, flooding and Aboriginal heritage,” Ms Zycki said. 
“We want to hear from the local community to ensure we get this right for all road users, including residents, tourists and our freight network. 
“Transport will consider all feedback received during this display period. Following the display, a report responding to submissions will be prepared and shared with the community.”
A copy of the REF can be viewed online at nswroads.work/h2c. It will be on display until midnight, Sunday 10 March.
Hard copies of the REF will also be available to view at Harrington Library and MidCoast Council Administration and Customer Service Centre during the display period. 
Transport for NSW will hold a community drop-in session on Wednesday 28 February from 9.30am to 11.30am at Harrington Function Centre, 7 Caledonia Street Harrington NSW 2427. 
Transport will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.