Strong Little Town

Newcastle Herald

Thursday October 27, 2005

By HANA JONES and EMMAH GOLDSMITH

THE newly completed Karuah Bypass has had a dramatic effect on the town of Karuah, affecting many facets of this small community.

This $123 million project, designed and constructed by Australian company Thiess, has two bridges and six underpasses and over-ways.

It is 9.8 kilometres long, the approximate length of the highway that previously went through the town.

There are koala underpasses, and in addition, crossovers that are suspended metres above the road for possums, bats and sugar gliders to cross.

The school took part in the bypass opening, performing musical and dance items for the 4500 people in attendance.

Although the road bypasses Karuah, many motorists still stop to enjoy the river and buy takeaway food.

The bypass has made the town considerably quieter and more peaceful, without heavy traffic rumbling through.

Generally, the only cars now belong to locals and a few tourists.

Karuah Public School captain Brandon Lilley said that the bypass had made the school much quieter and more enjoyable.

"Before all we used to hear all day was trucks and cars driving past and it used to take ages to get across the traffic lights," he said.

"These days it is really quiet: much more peaceful!"

One businesswoman, Amanda Bridge, of the Karuah Top Shop, said business hadn't been affected.

"If anything, it has made the town stronger. We no longer rely on tourists to come in," she said.

"Motorists still come through because the roads are quieter in Karuah.

"We still get the odd tourist that comes in for lunch.

"I imagine the town will get lots of attention when the aquatic and oyster festivals come around."