Coffs Harbour bypass set to start in March

The main changes to the design include refinements to three interchanges. While there have been design updates, the overall design, including tunnels, has not changed.

The detailed design refinements have been made following extensive consultation, including on the environmental impact statement and refined design in 2019, during the concept design display in September 2018 and discussions with key stakeholders since planning approval was granted in December 2020.

Transport NSW said there was significant collaboration between it and the Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture before the changes were finalised.

The public is now being asked to provide comments on the project’s refined design.

The A$2.2bn (US$1.52bn) Coffs Harbour Bypass project, part of NSW’s Pacific Highway upgrade, involves around 14km of road and includes the construction of three tunnels at Roberts Hill, Shepherds Lane and Gatelys Road.

The upgrade will deliver four lanes of divided motorway bypassing the Coffs Harbour CBD, taking thousands of vehicles out of the centre of town and saving motorists time by avoiding up to 12 sets of traffic lights. It is scheduled to open to traffic in late 2026.

The Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture was awarded the design and build contract in June last year.