Major construction a step closer for $2.2bn Coffs Harbour Bypass

Another new milestone has been reached on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass development in New South Wales with early works commencing at the Korora section of the region’s largest infrastructure project to date. 

Engineering firm Quickway will be undertaking about $50 million worth of utility works, including vegetation clearing, building access tracks and the relocation of essential utilities such as moving water mains, essential energy services and telecommunication cables. 

“The Coffs Harbour Bypass is the biggest infrastructure project in the city’s history and will be a game changer for the daily lives of residents and commuters. 

“It will be a key link in the nation’s infrastructure connecting Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and result in wider economic benefits for the Coffs Harbour area by making the CBD a more attractive place to visit, shop and work. 

“Work on this section will see 23.5 kilometres of electric cabling, 18.7 kilometres of water mains and 38.35 kilometres of telecommunication cables being moved,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said. 

For this project, Quickway will be engaging with local subcontractors for work opportunities, creating more jobs for locals. 

In addition, Transport for NSW is also delivering significant work including at-house noise treatments, relocation of essential utilities around Coramba Road and Stadium Drive, structural removals and environmental work. 

Weather permitting, major construction is anticipated to begin in early 2023 and the Coffs Harbour Bypass is expected to progressively open to traffic in 2026, with the project fully completed in late 2027. 

Project alignment (source: Pacific Highway Upgrade)

The preferred route for the bypass was announced in 2004 and the project will deliver a total of 14 kilometres of new and upgraded road. 

The project will include a 12-kilometre bypass of Coffs Harbour running from south of Englands Road intersection to Korora Hill in the north along with 2 kilometres worth of upgrades to the existing Pacific Highway between Koroa Hill and Sapphire. 

This more than two-billion-dollar project will deliver a four-lane divided highway that will bypass Coffs Harbour and pass through the North Boambee Valley, Roberts Hill ridge and then traverse the foothills of the Coffs Harbour basin to the west and north to Korora Hill. 

Coffs Harbour Bypass will comprise of three tunnels at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane and Gatelys Road as well as three interchanges at Englands Road, Coramba Road and Korora Hill. 

“The 14-kilometre bypass will include three tunnels, which is a major win because it delivers the best outcome for the community. 

“The Coffs Harbour Bypass will improve safety significantly by diverting thousands of vehicles out of the heart of town and deliver a faster commute for motorists who will be able to avoid up to 12 sets of traffic lights,” Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said. 

The $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments on an 80:20 basis. 

In June of this year, the Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture was awarded the design and construct contract for the Coffs Harbour Bypass. You can read more about the contract award here.

Source: Transport for NSW; Pacific Highway Upgrade; Coffs Harbour Bypass Web Portal (1, 2); Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline; The Nationals for Regional NSW; Infrastructure Magazine