On Tuesday Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Commonwealth and State governments would jointly provide $57.56 million for detailed planning and prepare the highway site between Frederickton and Eungai.

It follows extensive lobbying from the NRMA and other road user groups to have the notorious section of the highway upgraded, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd agreeing to look closely at the matter during his visit to the region in August.

The stretch of road includes Clybucca, where 35 people were killed in Australia’s worst bus crash 20 years ago.

Mr Albanese said the pre-construction works would start as soon as possible.

“By doing this work now we will be in a position to begin major construction activities following completion of the bypass,” Mr Albanese said.

“Importantly, this work will identify potential engineering challenges as well as calculate accurate costings and deter-mine a reliable construction timetable.”

Frederickton to Eungai is the second stage of works which will have the 40km stretch of highway between Kempsey and Eungai up-graded to dual carriageway.

Key features of the project include 26km of dual carriage-way to the west of the existing highway; an interchange near the northern end providing access to Stuarts Point Rd, Eungai Rail and the existing highway; and provision for a heavy vehicle inspection station for southbound vehicles, replacing the one at Kundabung.

In a bold move Mr Albanese has also declared the upgrade will be a flood free route with a one in 100-year flood immunity.

NRMA president Wendy Machin said fears the project had been forgotten after the announcement of the Government’s May budget had now been allayed.

“I wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this year for a solid funding commitment to see this section completed and am pleased the Australian and NSW governments are taking seriously the urgent need to address this dangerous stretch on the Pacific Hwy,” she said.