A new major milestone has been reached on the Coffs Harbour Bypass project in New South Wales, with more than half of the project’s 21 bridges completed. This marks a significant progress on one of the largest regional infrastructure projects on Australia’s east coast.
The twin bridges over the north coast railway line are the longest and highest for the bypass at 250-metres-long and around 16.5-metres-high.
The piles, columns and headstocks have been completed and work has now commenced to install 70 massive Super T-girders using a 600-tonne crane – the largest to be used on the project.
By the end of this year, only three bridges will remain under construction. The final asphalt surfacing will be laid across all road bridges before the new bypass opens to traffic in late 2026.
“The Coffs Harbour community have been promised this project for a long time, so it’s really welcome to see bridge construction on the bypass pass the halfway point.
“Labor Governments have delivered legacy infrastructure like the Kempsey Bypass which cut travel times and removed trucks and traffic from the town centre.
“We’re now a step closer to doing that again, right here in Coffs Harbour.
“The completed project will be a big boost for Coffs, and will mean a safer and more efficient drive for motorists heading up and down the upgraded Pacific Highway,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
The $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. Full project completion is expected in late 2027.
Coffs Harbour Bypass will help boost the regional economy, improve road safety and connectivity as well as reduce travel times by up to 12 minutes by allowing motorists to avoid 12 sets of traffic lights through Coffs Harbour’s CBD.
To date, the project has already delivered local benefits such as the recently opened Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge that will provide safer crossings while also honouring a local boy whose memory continues to unite the community.
“Well done to the Coffs Harbour Bypass team on this major milestone.
“It’s incredible to see how quickly this project is taking shape.
“Once complete, the Coffs Harbour Bypass will ensure families spend less time in the car and more time with their families.
“It will speed up the region and improve journey times to health, education and essential service.
“But this project isn’t just about faster travel times, it’s also about protecting local waterways, flora and fauna, and maintaining local access for motorists and pedestrians.
“Alongside the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension, the completed bypass will mean people can travel from Sydney to Brisbane without hitting a single set of traffic lights – a gamechanger for regional connectivity, freight operations and road safety,” NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW