In a major milestone for one of regional Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is now complete.
On October 28, the bypass tunnelling team broke through the northbound tube of the 410-metre-long Gatelys Road Tunnel, with the southbound tube breakthrough following the next day. This marks the completion of the first major phase of three tunnels to be built as part of the bypass.
All three tunnels will have two tubes, each designed to carry two lanes of traffic, with room to accommodate cyclists.
According to RDA Mid North Coast CEO and Director Dr Madeleine Lawler, “the Coffs Harbour Bypass is one of the nation’s most significant public infrastructure projects and is the penultimate piece in the puzzle of the nation’s busiest highway upgrade.”
Tunnelling teams are advancing quickly, with a breakthrough expected at the 320-metre-long Shephards Lane tunnel by mid-April next year.
Due to the mobilisation time and cost, a traditional tunnel boring machine was not feasible for these shorter tunnels. The focus now shifts to excavating the tunnel floor, installing permanent linings, setting up drainage, building pavements, and fitting out the tunnels with mechanical, electrical, fire, safety, and intelligent transport systems.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Coffs Harbour to re-define itself and cater to the thriving and colourful community that exists in the local government area,” says Madeleine. “The removal of congestion through the Coffs Harbour city will be a welcome relief for the thousands of freight operators servicing the east coast.”
The bypass, funded by $1.76 billion from the Commonwealth and $440 million from the NSW government, is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.
