Coffs Harbour Bypass

Ferrovial Construction Australia, in consortium with Gamuda Australia, was awarded the contract to design and construct the Coffs Harbour Bypass in New South Wales, Australia.

What is the Coffs Harbour Bypass project?

The contract, funded by the Australian and NSW governments, covers the design and construction of a 14-kilometre four-lane highway that diverts traffic away from the Coffs Harbour city centre, easing congestion and improving urban mobility.

What benefits will the bypass bring?

Once completed, the new route will:

• Save drivers up to 12 minutes per trip.
• Remove 12 traffic lights from the main town route.
• Divert about 12,000 vehicles per day from local roads.
• Enhance road safety and freight efficiency for regional and interstate users.

Beyond the numbers, the bypass will help boost the local economy and support the long-term growth of the Coffs Harbour region.

What are the main features of the project?

The Coffs Harbour Bypass will include:

• 14 km of new and upgraded four-lane divided highway.
• Three tunnels at Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane and Gatelys Road.
• Three grade-separated interchanges at Englands Road, Coramba Road and Korora Hill.
• A new bus interchange and pedestrian footbridge serving Kororo Public School.
• Upgrade of the existing Pacific Highway between Korora Hill and the dual carriageway at Sapphire Beach
• Local access and service roads to maintain connectivity for residents and businesses.

Why is this project important for Australia’s transport network?

The Coffs Harbour Bypass completes the final stage of the M1 Pacific Highway upgrade between Hexham and the Queensland border, forming a continuous four-lane link between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

It’s one of the most significant investments ever made in the Coffs Harbour región, it represents a national priority for improving transport safety and economic productivity.

When will it be completed?

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026 and reach full completion by the end of 2027.