Coffs Harbour bypass interchanges take a step closer to construction

Major works on the Coffs Harbour bypass interchanges at Korora Hill, Coramba Road and Englands Road are close to commencing as the Detailed Design Consultation Summary report is released. 

The project team will now continue to refine and finalise minor design aspects of the project to improve safety, environment and community outcomes. 

“The bypass project will result in massive improvements to travel and the quality of life in and around Coffs Harbour. 

“We received a strong response to our call for submissions from the public following the release of design refinements in February, with 57 unique submissions and 233 form letter copies, for a total of 290 written submissions. 

“We also engaged with 171 people and organisations during eight drop-in sessions between January to February. 

“One of the key themes to come from the community consultation was the desire for simplified interchanges, and these have now been included in the detailed design,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said. 

Coramba Road interchange (source: Transport for NSW)

The changes incorporated into the detailed design will deliver an improved result for the community as well as all road users once the bypass is opened to traffic. 

At the Coramba Road interchange, road users will be able to see less traffic volumes from both heavy and light vehicles. The design changes also mean traffic control can end two years earlier than projected as majority of construction will not be carried out on existing roads, resulting to less impact on Coffs Creek with reduced bridge works needed. 

Works on the Englands Road interchange will now include two small roundabouts to help improve safety and traffic flow. A two-way local service road will also improve access, safety and connectivity. 

Englands Road interchange (source: Transport for NSW)

The major on and off ramps at Korora Hill interchange will be lowered to help reduce operational noise. Lowering the ramps will make them a similar height to the existing highway. On the other hand, Bruxner Park Road and James Small Drive will now become an overpass. 

“We’re confident the changes will reduce impacts to nearby residents, including noise reduction during construction. 

“The improvements at the three interchanges also reduce the project’s construction carbon footprint as they require fewer bridges, meaning less truck movements for steel and concrete,” the spokesperson said. 

The changes to the final design are consistent with the project’s environmental approvals. 

In addition, the project team is developing a Place Design and Landscape Plan (PDLP) and will be seeking community feedback on the plan once it is released for public consultation later this year. 

Korora Hill interchange (source: Transport for NSW)

The $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. The project will deliver a 14-kilometre four lane road that will improve transport efficiency and road safety for local as well as regional and interstate road users. 

Once up and running, motorists will be able to save up to 12 minutes in travel time and bypass about 12 sets of traffic lights. Coffs Harbour bypass will also remove thousands of vehicles from the Coffs Harbour CBD. 

The project is expected to create up to 600 direct jobs, including opportunities for residents of Coffs Harbour and surrounding regions. 

The Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture was appointed to undertake the delivery of the project in 2022. You can read more about it here. 

Source: Transport for NSW; Pacific Highway Upgrade – Coffs Harbour Bypass; NSW Government – Coffs Harbour Bypass Web Portal