Coffs Harbour bypass detailed design consultation summary report finalised
The start of work on Coffs Harbour bypass interchanges at Korora Hill, Coramba Road and Englands Road is one step closer following the release of the project’s Detailed Design Consultation Summary report today.
The NSW and Australian governments are funding the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass project to improve safety, travel times and lifestyle in this popular coastal city.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the release of the consultation summary report for detailed design meant work would be able to start on these important interchanges.
“The bypass project will result in massive improvements to travel and the quality of life in and around Coffs Harbour,” the spokesperson said.
“We received a strong response to our call for submissions from the public following the release of design refinements in February, with 57 unique submissions and 233 form letter copies, for a total of 290 written submissions.
“We also engaged with 171 people and organisations during eight drop-in sessions between January to February.
“One of the key themes to come from the community consultation was the desire for simplified interchanges, and these have now been included in the detailed design.”
The spokesperson said changes to the detailed design following this consultation would deliver an improved result for the community and road users once the bypass is complete.
“We’re confident the changes will reduce impacts to nearby residents, including noise reduction during construction,” the spokesperson said.
“At the Coramba Road interchange there will be less traffic from heavy and light vehicles. The design changes will also mean traffic control on Coramba Road will end almost two years sooner, with most of the construction not on existing roads and less impact on Coffs Creek with less bridge work required.
“Changes to the Englands Road interchange include two small roundabouts to improve safety and traffic flow, while access has been improved with a two-way local service road to improve safety and connectivity.
“To reduce operational noise at Korora Hill interchange, the major on and off ramps have been lowered, making them a similar height to the existing highway, while Bruxner Park Road and James Small Drive are now elevated to an overpass.
“The improvements at the three interchanges also reduce the project’s construction carbon footprint as they require fewer bridges, meaning less truck movements for steel and concrete.”
The final design changes are consistent with the project’s environmental approvals.
The project team is developing a Place Design and Landscape Plan (PDLP) and will be seeking community feedback on this plan when it is displayed for public consultation later in 2023.
The consultation summary report is available at pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass together with the September project update, which contains the latest information about work on the bypass.
Maps of the refined interchange designs are available here.