The Coffs Harbour bypass is powering ahead, with major construction milestones underway and a series of traffic changes rolling out across the project from this week.
Once open later this year, the 14-kilometre bypass project will allow motorists to avoid up to 12 sets of traffic lights on the Pacific Highway, cutting travel times by up to 12 minutes and easing congestion in Coffs Harbour’s CBD.
The jointly funded project is a $2.20 billion investment in regional New South Wales, with
the Albanese Labor Government contributing $1.76 billion and Minns Labor Government contributing $440 million.Construction crews have begun work on the final bridge, lucky number 21, which will form the future southbound Pacific Highway underpass, north of Opal Boulevard at Korora.
The bridge is part of a twin-bridge structure, with the northbound bridge already completed and open to traffic.
Once operational, the underpass will connect the service road west of the highway with Solitary Islands Way.
Piling work is now underway, with columns, girders and a major retaining wall to follow.
Last year, the Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge officially opened, providing safer access across the Pacific Highway for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge was named in honour of local boy Luke Bowen, who tragically lost his life 28 years ago.
From early June, right-in and right-out turns at the Charlesworth Bay Road and Pacific Highway intersection and the Roselands Drive and Coramba Road intersection will be temporarily restricted.
These temporary changes will allow crews to build the new signalised intersection at Charlesworth Bay Road and the shared user path to Roselands Drive.
Motorists requiring right-turn movements will be directed to use alternative intersections and existing interchanges.
Following these changes, the Pacific Highway and Englands Road/Stadium Drive intersection will shift west to a temporary roundabout.
This change will allow crews to remove the existing roundabout and install traffic lights at the current intersection.
The shared path for pedestrians and cyclists will also be temporarily relocated as part of these works.
This change will help accelerate construction and reduce the amount of work required in the Boambee area in 2027.
The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, with overall project completion scheduled for late 2027.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
“Work on the final bridge has begun, and it is incredible to see how quickly the Coffs Harbour bypass is taking shape.
“This project will transform Coffs Harbour, taking traffic and trucks out of the CBD.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the Minns Government to deliver the projects like the Coffs Harbour bypass, ensuring we’re building the roads, bridges and rail the state needs.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The Coffs Harbour bypass is going to be a game changer for local motorists, visitors passing through, and the trucking industry.
“Not only will the bypass boost the regional economy, but it will also improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and overall safety.
“This is another example of how the Minns Government, in collaboration with the Albanese Government, is future-proofing roads across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Labor spokesperson for the state seat of Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy:
“The completion of the Coffs Harbour bypass is moving closer every day.
“The site is a hive of activity, with work starting on the final bridge for the entire project and some of the last traffic switches for the southern end of the project.
“This is a major win for Coffs Harbour, lifting the local economy, and improving safety for all motorists.”
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