2024
Coffs Harbour, nSW
Project overview
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.With funding provided by the Australian and NSW governments, the 14-kilometre bypass aims to boost the regional economy and improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for local, regional and interstate road users.
The existing highway in Coffs Harbour, part of the Sydney–Brisbane freight corridor, sees 30,000 to 35,000 vehicles daily. Users face challenges navigating 12 km of low-speed roads with numerous traffic signals and intersections, leading to high crash rates amid growing congestion due to population growth. The Coffs Harbour Bypass, a major upgrade of the M1 Pacific Highway, aims to alleviate these issues and enhance connectivity between key cities. The bypass is a government priority for economic development and is expected to open in late 2026, with full completion by late 2027.
The design narrative has been developed as part of a co-design process which fosters Connection to Country and complements the natural environment. A “Mountains to the Sea” concept have been adopted, reflecting the unique setting of the bypass where the Pacific Highway sits between, and offers views of, both the Great Dividing Range and the Pacific Ocean. The vegetation strategy, combined with key pieces of infrastructure such as noise walls and tunnel portals, have been strategically designed to create gateways and provide for wayfinding and placemaking.
Project requirements
- 14km of new and upgraded four-lane divided highway bypassing the Coffs Harbour CBD
- Three tunnels at Roberts Hill, Shepherds Lane and Gately’s Road
- Three grade-separated interchanges at England’s Road, Coramba Road and Korora Hill
- A new bus interchange and pedestrian footbridge servicing Kororo Public School
- Upgrade of the existing Pacific Highway between Korora Hill and the dual carriageway at Sapphire Beach
- Local access and service roads adjacent to sections of the new highway providing connections for local residents and businesses.
Sika solution
Sika WT-200P waterproofing additive for shotcrete.
| Sika representative / Project Manager | Reg Hutchinson / Marcus Smith |
| Date completed | Expected 2027 |
| Location | Coffs Harbour, NSW |
| Contractor | Heidelberg Materials |
Sika WT-200P Crystalline Waterproofing Admixture was chosen for the project due to our confidence in its performance and the robust support provided by Sika. The technical assistance during the tendering stage, along with the external testing conducted by Sika, reinforced our decision to select this product as the ideal waterproofing solution for the tunnel shotcrete mix.
The admixture suite provided by Sika empowers Heidelberg to deliver high-quality concrete that meets the project's specifications and design parameters. This suite ensures optimal performance by utilizing Heidelberg's local raw materials, while also offering technical support and premium solutions to achieve both superior performance and cost efficiency.
Marcus Smith
Heidberg Materials