$2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass 10 months from completion

The long awaited Coffs Harbour Bypass is continuing to progress, with technology now being fitted.

The $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass, stretching 14-kilometres, is expected to open to traffic late this year, with project completion slated for late 2027.

The bypass will allow motorists to avoid up to 12 sets of traffic lights on the Pacific Highway, cutting travel times by at least 12 minutes and easing congestion in Coffs Harbour’s CBD.

Extensive work is now underway to install lighting, fire, and safety systems in the project’s three tunnels – Gatelys Road, Shephards Lane and Roberts Hill.

“First they dug through the hills, and now the project teams are busy fitting out the new tunnels of the Coffs Harbour Bypass,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King.

“Seeing first-hand the electronics and technology that will keep people safe, and cars and trucks moving through the tunnels is a testament to the hard work being carried out by the project team.

“The bypass will take thousands of cars and trucks from the centre of Coffs Harbour in a big boost to business and tourism, and our works here and in Newcastle mean you will soon be able to drive from Brisbane to Sydney without stopping at a single set of traffic lights.”

Large jet fans are also being hoisted to the roof of the Gatelys Road and Shephards Lane tunnels to move fresh air into and through the tunnels.

High-tech electronic, variable speed and message signs, over height truck detectors and boom gates, CCTV and infra-red traffic loggers will enable Transport for NSW’s Regional Traffic Operations Centre, in Byron Bay, to respond to incidents and reroute traffic and overheight vehicles as required.

The Operations Management and Control System – OCMS – developed by Australian company M&E Solutions is already used further north in the Tugun tunnel.

Smoke and heat detectors will be used to identify vehicle fires and speed up the emergency response. The project team is also installing cable containment trays to link the intelligent transport systems across the three tunnels and paving the tunnels with asphalt.