The Federal and New South Wales Governments have awarded the design and construction contract for the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass.
In a joint venture, Gamuda Australia and Ferrovial Construction will design and construct the new bypass, with major construction to begin early next year.
The project will upgrade around 14km of the Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour, starting from south of Englands Road roundabout and finishing at the southern end of the Sapphire to Woolgoolga project.
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.
New South Wales Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, said this is a landmark day for Coffs Harbour that locks in who will build the biggest infrastructure project in the town’s history.
“The project will be delivered using a single design and construct contract to ensure innovation, efficiency and value for money in bringing the plan for this bypass to life,” Mr Toole said.
“We know how important the three tunnels are to the community’s vision for their bypass – and under the planning approvals now in place, they can be assured that’s exactly what they will get.
“Everything is now set to go – early works are on schedule and major construction is on track to fire up at the start of next year.”
Around 600 direct jobs will be on offer during construction.
New South Wales Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Sam Farraway, said “The Coffs Harbour bypass will transform travel in this region by diverting 12,000 vehicles away from the CBD, saving motorists around 12 minutes off their trip.
“I am pleased to say that many of the jobs will be filled by local people who were involved in the Pacific Highway upgrade, which we jointly delivered in 2020.”
The bypass is expected to be open to traffic from late 2026.
State Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said the benefits to the region from this project will continue for generations to come.
“The Coffs Harbour Bypass will ease highway congestion and improve safety, while providing wider economic benefits for the Coffs Harbour area by making the CBD a more attractive place to visit, shop and work,” Mr Singh said.
“The bypass will be a key link in this vital piece of the nation’s infrastructure, connecting Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.”
The $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass project is jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales Governments on an 80:20 basis.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said the Federal Government is partnering with states and territories across the country to deliver the projects that matter.
“Not only will this project deliver local jobs in construction, but it will deliver a safer, faster commute to locals, as well as boosting flood resilience,” Ms King said.
“Importantly, by getting thousands of vehicles out of the middle of the CBD it will give that part of Coffs Harbour back to the local community.
“I look forward to seeing major works getting underway.”
For more information on the project visit here.
