The detailed design for the Coffs Harbour bypass has been finalised, including refinements to the Englands Road, Coramba Road and Korora Hill interchanges, clearing the way for construction to start in March.
While there have been design updates, the overall design, including tunnels, has not changed.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said, “This project will be a game-changer for all those who rely on this busy segment of the Pacific Highway, saving them time, increasing safety, improving accessibility to the Coffs Harbour CBD and boosting flood immunity.
“These design changes are minor but will improve traffic flow and be better for motorists as well as nearby residents during construction and operation.
“Importantly, this milestone also paves the way for major construction to begin in March, which will support local jobs and stimulate the state and national economies.”
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 ongoing discussions with key stakeholders since planning approval in December 2020.
There was significant collaboration between Transport for NSW and the Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture before these changes were finalised.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said, “The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is securing a brighter future by building the infrastructure that matters to the Coffs Harbour community with the Coffs Harbour Bypass.
“This project is part of our Pacific Highway upgrade; once this and the M1 to Raymond Terrace projects are complete, you will be able to travel between Sydney and Brisbane, and not encounter a single traffic light.
“Our Pacific Highway upgrade is making daily life easier for you and your family, not to mention small businesses by providing you with a quicker and safer way to get from A to B.”
The community is now being asked to provide comments on the project’s refined design.
State Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said, “One of the key themes we heard during the community consultation periods was the community wanted simplified interchanges and the detailed design incorporates that feedback.
“The Coffs Harbour Bypass is the most significant infrastructure project in our community’s history and will transform our town by removing 12,000 vehicles from the CBD, making life easier for locals to get to work or drop the kids off at school.
“Nobody in Coffs likes being stuck at traffic lights, especially during the holiday period, and this project removes 12 of them saving 12 minutes off your trip and eases congestion through town.”
The $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass project is being jointly funded, with $1.76 billion from the Australian Government and $440 million from the NSW Government.
