As motorists began driving on the new east-bound section of the highway at Bodington Hill last week, they were probably unaware that underneath the road is a little tunnel designed for native fauna that roam the surrounding bushland.
Specifically it's a spotted tailed quoll crossing to allow the marsupials to continue roaming their habitat without interference from cars or trucks, but it is likely to also be used by other animals.
It is 1.8 metres wide and 60 centimetres high and runs under the highway about halfway between Tableland Road and Dillinger's Nursery. Motorists travelling on that section will notice wire fences beyond the road barriers, which are part of the project to keep the quoll safe.
An RMS spokeswoman said the crossing was incorporated into the highway plans way back in May 2008, after a review of environmental factors found that quolls inhabited the area.
The tunnel is made from concrete and its floor is covered in soil and vegetation to give it a more natural look and feel. It is the only crossing of its kind along this section of the highway upgrade.
The Bullaburra west stretch of road is very close to completion. As well as opening the east-bound section to traffic last week, much work has also been done on the approach from Wentworth Falls to Tableland Road, which is still a single lane.
West-bound traffic up Bodington Hill will remain one lane for a few more weeks to allow for more plantings and other finishing touches.
The RMS expects the road, which has cost $85 million, to be open by mid-December. This follows the opening in July of the $225 million Hazelbrook to Woodford section.
The final piece in the highway puzzle, from Ridge Street at Lawson to beyond Genevieve Road at Bullaburra east, is expected to be finished by late 2015.
