The Federal and NSW Government Ministers representing transport and roads called into Coffs Harbour to check out the Coffs Harbour Bypass 10 months ahead of a scheduled opening.
Federal Government Transport Minister Catherine King joined NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister, Jenny Aitchison, to focus on progress with the bypass’s three tunnels- Gatelys Road, Shephards Lane and Roberts Hill.
Extensive work is now underway to kit out the tunnels with lighting, fire, and safety systems. This includes large jet fans being hoisted to the roof of the Gatelys Road and Shephards Lane tunnels to move fresh air into and through the tunnels.
High-tech electronic, variable speed and message signs, over height truck detectors and boom gates, CCTV and infra-red traffic loggers will enable Transport for NSW’s Regional Traffic Operations Centre, in Byron Bay, to respond to incidents and reroute traffic and overheight vehicles as required.
The Operations Management and Control System (OCMS), developed by Australian company M&E Solutions is already used further north in the Tugun tunnel.
The project team is also installing cable containment trays to link the intelligent transport systems across the three tunnels and paving the tunnels with asphalt.
“I’m looking forward to driving through these tunnels in the Christmas Holidays of 2026,” Minister King said.
“Seeing first-hand the electronics and technology that will keep people safe, and cars and trucks moving through the tunnels is a testament to the hard work being carried out by the project team.”
“I am so proud of this workforce. This is an incredibly complex engineering project.”
Transport for NSW Tunnel Technical Lead, Jesse Marriot, said Gatleys Tunnel is the most advanced in the electrical and safety fit out process.
“The other two tunnels are not far behind. Gatley’s tunnel is the longest one and the first to be excavated,” Mr Marriot said.
Minister Aitchison said the bypass will take thousands of cars and trucks from the centre of Coffs Harbour in a big boost to business and tourism.
“Every time I visit the Coffs Harbour Bypass, I am amazed by the extraordinary progress and the careful consideration going into delivering this nation-changing project. This visit is no different,” Minister Aitchison said
“The crew are building tunnels, bridges and roads, simultaneously – fitting the last pieces of the Pacific Motorway puzzle into place.
The bypass will allow motorists to avoid up to 12 sets of traffic lights on the Pacific Highway, cutting travel times by at least 12 minutes and easing congestion in Coffs Harbour’s CBD. The bypass is expected to open to traffic late this year, with project completion in late 2027.
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