With the new Coffs Harbour Bypass due to open to traffic in just 10 months, work is now underway to install lighting, fire and safety systems in the project’s Gatelys Road, Shephards Lane and Roberts Hill tunnels.
Large jet fans are 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.
“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,” said NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister, Jenny Aitchison.
“The crew are building tunnels, bridges and roads, simultaneously – fitting the last pieces of the Pacific Motorway puzzle into place.
“Once complete, motorists will be able to travel between Sydney and Brisbane without a single set of traffic lights – saving time, improving safety, and making journeys smoother for families, freight and commuters.”
Smoke and heat detectors will quickly identify vehicle fires and speed up the emergency response. 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.
Once complete, all walls inside the tunnels will be covered by architectural panels that will cleverly cover utilities, so motorists travelling through the tunnels can focus on the road ahead.
The nation-changing Coffs Harbour Bypass is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, with the Australian Government investing $1.76 billion and $440 million from the NSW Government – ensuring this 14-kilometre project is delivered.
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.
“First they dug through the hills, and now the project teams are busy fitting out the new tunnels of the Coffs Harbour Bypass. 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,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King.
“The Bypass will take thousands of cars and trucks from the centre of Coffs Harbour in a big boost to business and tourism, and our works here and in Newcastle mean you will soon be able to drive from Brisbane to Sydney without stopping at a single set of traffic lights.
“This is a region-shaping project being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and the finish line is now in sight.”
The bypass is expected to open to traffic late this year, with project completion in late 2027.
More information available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/projects/coffs-harbour-bypass.
