Early yesterday morning, northbound motorists were given access to drive on a section of the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass for the first time.
The section from Charlesworth Bay Road and the new Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge is the first of multiple traffic switches to take place between now and when the bypass fully opens to traffic in late 2026.
Initially, Pacific Highway northbound traffic will veer left just south of Bruxner Park Road and travel on a section of new road that will become the northbound highway on ramps.
The second stage will see northbound traffic move onto the new road on the western side of the existing highway in Korora. This switch will be between the new Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge and the northern tie in (Campbell Close) and is expected in June.
Moving northbound traffic onto a section of the new alignment means the construction team can start building the new carriageway on the current highway’s northbound lanes.
As part of this switch, motorists using Bruxner Park Road have a new connection through a second roundabout at the Korora Hill Interchange.
There will be no changes for southbound motorists in the short term.
In about two weeks time, traffic will be moved onto a section of new alignment near Englands Road in the south. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will provide details on this switch closer to the date.
A new wayfinding tool has also been designed specifically for the bypass and is available on the project website. The ‘plan your journey’ tool allows users to put in specific locations and date ranges to understand whether their journey is affected by traffic changes. Where detours are in place, specific navigational aids will be provided to help road users plan their journeys and navigate the project safely.
“This is one of the biggest road infrastructure projects on the east coast and it’s amazing to see how quickly it is taking shape,” said Transport for NSW North Region director, Anna Zycki.
“Coffs Harbour is a wonderful place already, but removing up to 12,000 vehicles a day, including heavy vehicles, from the city centre will make it so much better.
“It will be quieter, safer and much less congested.
“When this bypass opens to traffic at the end of next year the only traffic lights between Sydney and Brisbane will be at Hexham, and it won’t be too long after Coffs opens that they’ll be gone as well.
“That will mean people will be able to travel between Sydney and Brisbane without ever having to stop at a traffic light.
“At the moment there are 12 sets in Coffs Harbour alone. It will make such a difference when they’re gone.
“Getting traffic onto this short section of the new alignment for the first time is a huge achievement.”
traffic lights at Coopernook are still used on M1