A consortium of Ferrovial and Gamuda Australia has completed the first phase of the 14km Coffs Harbour Bypass project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
In late October, the tunnelling team broke through the northbound tube of the 410m Gatelys Road Tunnel, followed by the southbound tube shortly after. This marks the first stage in constructing the three planned tunnels for the bypass at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane, and Gatelys Road.
The Coffs Harbour Bypass project is jointly funded by the Australian government, investing A$1.76bn ($1.16bn), and the NSW government, contributing A$440m ($289.6m). Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, each designed to carry two lanes of traffic, with space for cyclists.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison indicated that the next breakthrough at the 320m Shephards Lane tunnel is anticipated by mid-April next year. The work continues despite traditional tunnel boring machines not being used for the shorter tunnels due to mobilisation time and costs, said the Minister.
Aitchison said: “We see and hear regularly about tunnel projects around Sydney where tunnellers bore largely through sandstone or similar softer materials, but here in Coffs it’s been more challenging due to the material and location.
“I want to thank the project team for their hard work and commitment to delivering this critical piece of enabling transport infrastructure for the Coffs region and the entire country.”
Following the recent tunnel breakthroughs, workers will excavate tunnel floors, install permanent linings, conduct drainage work, and build pavements. They are also expected to complete the installation of mechanical, electrical, fire safety, and intelligent transport systems.
The bypass is aimed to be operational by late 2026.
Upon completion, it will reduce travel times while diverting approximately 12,000 vehicles daily from the centre of Coffs Harbour.
Gamuda Australia and Ferrovial won the A$1.5bn ($990m) design and construct contract from Transport for NSW in June 2022. The consortium’s work involves constructing three tunnels, approximately 12km of new road, and about 2km of upgraded highway.
The Coffs Harbour Bypass is the final section of the M1 Pacific Highway upgrade to a four-lane road between Hexham and the Queensland border.
