The preferred route for this project was announced in September 2006. Since then the Strategic Access Report and the Environmental Assessment have been released. During this process minor changes to the alignment included;

• A shift in the alignment of the highway to the east, south of Martins Lane West, to minimise disturbance to properties.
• Minor changes to local road system resulting from new interchanges at Ivy Lane and Bangalow Road.
• Minor alignment shifts along the Tinderbox Valley to facilitate access arrangements, provide a better creek crossing and reduce impacts on private property.
• Changes to the local access road arrangements between Martins Lane West and Ross Lane.
• Realignment of the old highway near the Emigrant Creek crossing to pass under the upgraded highway at the Emigrant Creek bridge.
• Minor realignments to reduce impact on land use, flora and fauna and other local features.