Local businesses invited to bid for Coffs Harbour bypass

EIS artists impression of the bypass at Shephards Lane tunnel.

Transport for NSW is encouraging local businesses to suggest how they can contribute to the Coffs Harbour Bypass works.

Early works began on the project in December 2020 and construction will see 12 sets of traffic lights bypassed by three tunnels.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said this is a project that will transform journeys for the more than 12,000 vehicles a day that drive through Coffs, saving around 11 minutes in travel time.

“On top of delivering safer, quicker journeys for locals, tourists and freight operators who use this route daily, the project is also going to support around 2,000 local jobs during construction and around 12,000 jobs over the whole life-cycle of the project,” Conaghan said.

He says crews have already begun building the new Solitary Rural Fire Service shed. Utitlity relocation has started, as well as at-house noise treatments and building demolition.

“Now we want to give local businesses the opportunity to tell us more about the products and services they can provide as we move towards the major construction phase.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said Transport for NSW had completed a Local Industry Participation Plan, which seeks to promote local businesses and create more local jobs.

“As we continue to carry out vital early works to ensure the project is well placed when major construction begins, we’ll engage with local businesses to see how they can get involved in this historic project,” Singh said.

“Supporting local businesses will bring with it local economic benefits, as seen up and down the coast from the recently completed Pacific Highway upgrade.”

To express interest, businesses can visit: pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass