A 33km section of the Pacific Highway in New South Wales, Australia, has been opened to traffic following the completion of upgrade work to a dual carriageway.

The $580m upgrade is part of the $3.1bn Pacific Highway upgrade plan, which is expected to be completed over the next six years.

The route forms the final section of the highway’s duplication between Coopernook and Herons Creek, according to Australasian Transport News.

The project included building bypasses and bridges, while line marking adjustments and asphalting works are to be completed over the next month.

The road has increased the length of continuous four-lane divided road between Bulahdelah and Port Macquarie to about 163km.

The Pacific Highway upgrade is intended to cut journey times and improve safety.