The AU$2.2bn, 14km long Coffs Harbour bypass project in New South Wales is celebrating the breakthrough of the second of its three road tunnels. The project team from the Ferrovial/Gamuda JV broke through the top heading in one of the tubes of the about 320m long Shephards Lane Tunnel on 31st March 2025. The second tube breakthrough is expected in about a week. The team will now start controlled blasting the bench of the tunnel tubes.
Transport for NSW North Region Director, Anna Zycki, said breaking through was a significant achievement but there was still plenty of work to do before the tunnels could take traffic. “This work will continue over the next 18-20 months, but this milestone is worth celebrating.”
All three tunnels will be under construction in April with 24/7 excavations starting in the 160m long Robert Hill Tunnel in coming weeks. Gatelys Road Tunnel, which is about 410m long, is the furthest progressed of the tunnels with the tubes being sprayed with waterproof lining. On the bypass, the waterproofing covers the entire tunnel tube ceiling and sides.
While waterproofing has started in Gatelys Road Tunnel, it will also be carried out in the two other tunnels with it expected to be completed before the end of 2025. Once this layer is in place, teams will spray the final lining of shotcrete, with paving, drainage and the mechanical and electrical fit out to follow.
The Australian Government is investing $1.76bn towards the project, with the remaining $440M investment provided by the New South Wales Government.
Completion is projected for 2027.
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