The Australian and NSW Governments are funding the EUR1.4 bn (AUD2.2 bn), 14-km Coffs Harbour bypass project in New South Wales (Australia).
The Coffs Harbour bypass project includes the following three bi-tube tunnels Gatelys Road (410 m, the first to be driven), Shephards Lane (320 m, the second to be built) and Roberts Hill (160 m, the last to be excavated). The tunnels will be excavated using controlled blasting, not by TBM because they are short and travel through hard argillite rock.
Construction is progressing well on the Coffs Harbour bypass: the team of the Ferrovial (50%)/Gamuda (50%) Joint Venture has started work on almost half of the 17 bridges and the three interchanges are taking shape.
In late February the team started controlled blasting at the northern end of the Gatelys Road tunnel, the first and longest tunnel for the project.
Each tunnel will have two tubes separating the north and southbound carriageways with two lanes in each direction. Additionally, the tunnels will have a shoulder which can be used by cyclists wishing to ride along the bypass. The tunnels will be fitted out with safety, lighting and ventilation systems. Given the length of the tunnels, air quality towers will not be required.
The tunnels will also include cross passages which are used in emergencies to provide a safe exit for road users if there is a blockage, fire or similar situation that requires motorists to evacuate. Truck parking bays and height detection monitors will be placed before the entry to each tunnel. The vehicle clearance height in the tunnels will be 5.3 m.
Tunnels construction is expected to be completed in 2026. Excavation and strengthening work for the tunnel tubes is expected to take about 24 months. The project will then build the pavement for about 3 months with fit-out of systems and the interior expected to take about 12 months. These activities will be carried out sequentially.
For more information click here and au/40 for tunnelbuilder archive and visit https://pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/coffsharbourbypass, https://caportal.com.au/rms/coffs, https://www.ferrovial.com/ and https://gamuda.com.au/. 12/24.
