The Coffs Harbour Bypass has entered a critical final stage, with advanced tunnel systems now being installed across the 14-kilometre project ahead of its expected opening in late 2026.
With just 10 months until traffic is switched on, crews are installing lighting, ventilation, fire detection, and intelligent transport systems in the Gatelys Road, Shephards Lane, and Roberts Hill tunnels. For freight operators travelling the Sydney to Brisbane corridor, the shift signals that a long-standing bottleneck on the Pacific Highway is nearing resolution.
Once open, the Coffs Harbour Bypass will remove up to 12 sets of traffic lights through the city centre, delivering traffic-light-free journeys between Sydney and Brisbane. The project is expected to reduce travel times by at least 12 minutes and divert thousands of heavy vehicles out of the Coffs Harbour CBD each day.
What new tunnel technology means for heavy vehicles
Large jet fans are being installed in the Gatelys Road and Shephards Lane tunnels to maintain airflow and manage smoke in the event of an incident. Smoke and heat detection systems will enable faster emergency response. At the same time, CCTV and infra-red traffic loggers will feed real-time data to Transport for NSW’s Regional Traffic Operations Centre in Byron Bay.
High-tech variable message signs, overheight truck detectors and boom gates are also being integrated into the network. These systems will automatically identify overheight vehicles before they enter the tunnels, reducing the risk of strikes and costly closures.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the technology being installed was central to keeping traffic moving safely.
“Seeing first-hand the electronics and technology that will keep people safe, and cars and trucks moving through the tunnels, is a testament to the hard work being carried out by the project team,” Minister King said.
“The Bypass will take thousands of cars and trucks from the centre of Coffs Harbour in a big boost to business and tourism, and our works here and in Newcastle mean you will soon be able to drive from Brisbane to Sydney without stopping at a single set of traffic lights.”
For freight operators running linehaul services along the eastern seaboard, eliminating traffic signals and urban congestion reduces braking cycles, fuel consumption, and the risk of driver fatigue. It also improves scheduling certainty across one of Australia’s busiest freight corridors.
Completing the Pacific Motorway puzzle
The Operations Management and Control System installed in the Coffs Harbour Bypass tunnels mirrors technology used in the Tugun tunnel, ensuring consistency across the broader Pacific Motorway network.
NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project represented a major milestone in completing the corridor.
“Once complete, motorists will be able to travel between Sydney and Brisbane without a single set of traffic lights – saving time, improving safety, and making journeys smoother for families, freight and commuters,” Minister Aitchison said.