Planning and detailed design works start

Major works are expected to start next year on the Coffs Harbour Bypass after the state government announced the successful tender from a joint venture (JV) that is keen to start immediately.

Following 18 months of early works on the project, the Gamuda Australia and Ferrovial Construction JV snatched the major design and construct contract away from two other JVs,  Acciona Seymour Whyte and CPB Contractors Webuild. A formal tender was sought from the three JVs shortlisted late last year.

Ferrovial and Gamuda’s contract includes 14 km of new and upgraded four-lane highway bypass; three tunnels approximately 1km in total; bus interchange; pedestrian footbridge; three interchanges; upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Korora Hill and Sapphire; and local access and service roads adjacent to sections of the new highway.

Construction is expected to create 600 direct jobs. Major work is expected to start about March, weather permitting, with site establishment including construction, according to the NSW Government. The bypass is expected to be open to traffic in late 2026, with construction complete a year later.

Gamuda Australia Executive Director Ewan Yee said planning and detailed design works would commence immediately.

“This is an exciting project for Gamuda Australia to be part of,” executive director Ewan Yee said. “The joint venture is focused on combining engineering smarts with environmental

Image: impression of the new bus interchange and pedestrian bridge, part of the Coffs Harbour Bypass project. Source: Gamuda Australia.

About the author

Desi Corbett

Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.