Tunnelling is now complete across all three tunnels on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass project in New South Wales.
When complete, the bypass will allow motorists on the Pacific Highway to skip up to 12 sets of traffic lights, cutting 12 minutes off travel times, and will remove thousands of vehicles and trucks from Coffs Harbour’s CBD streets.
The 160 metre Roberts Hill tunnel was the last to be completed, following the completion of tunnelling previously on the 320 metre Shephards Lane tunnel and 410 metre Gatelys Road tunnel.
With all three tunnels now broken through work will shift to preparing them for traffic. This includes installing drainage systems and laying road pavement. Before the first cars drive through in late 2026, each tunnel will be fitted with sophisticated mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and electronic signage.
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These works also follow the partial opening of the Coramba Road interchange, representing another leap forward on the project.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the milestone was a significant achievement for the jointly funded project ($1.76 billion from the Federal Government, $440 million from the New South Wales Government).
“This is a massive milestone reached in the Coffs Harbour Bypass, this project will transform this local area and help remove thousands of cars and heavy vehicles from CBD streets,” King said.
“This project has been a long-time coming, but it is making good progress and will transform Coffs Harbour once complete.”
