THE duplication of the Pacific Highway at Lisarow, near Gosford, is proceeding, with concrete girders for a new rail bridge lifted into place recently, as part of the $178 million project to help improve traffic flow, travel times and safety.

Regional transport minister Paul Toole said 27 girders were loaded at the northern compound on the Pacific Highway using a crane and transported along the highway on oversized trucks to the new bridge, where they were installed using a 600-tonne crane.

“A crew of more than 70 workers was needed over the weekend and on Monday to install these girders in a complex operation while the rail line was closed for regular maintenance,” Mr Toole said.

“The duplication project has provided work for about 1,000 people since work started about two years ago, including more than 150 different suppliers and contractors.

“The concrete girders were lifted into place starting early on Saturday morning and crews worked around the clock to ensure work was completed by the time the rail line was due to reopen.”

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the $178 million project would provide two lanes in each direction on the Pacific Highway between Ourimbah Street and Parsons Road.

“Work is also underway to install traffic lights at the Railway Crescent and Macdonalds Road intersections, as well as better parking access at Lisarow Station,” Mr Crouch said.

“In mid-2021 traffic will be shifted onto a new section of The Ridgeway so that work to widen the intersection can occur.”