Shotcrete Australia Awarded Major Contract for Coffs Harbour Bypass Project

In 2023, Shotcrete Australia was awarded the contract for the Coffs Harbour Bypass Portal retention works by our partners, the Ferrovial/Gamuda Joint Venture, and Transport for NSW. The Coffs Harbour Bypass project aims to deliver significant benefits, including the construction or upgrade of approximately 14 kilometres of four-lane road. This will enhance transport efficiency and road safety for local, regional, and interstate road users. The project is a priority for the Australian and NSW governments, given the Pacific Highway’s crucial role in Australia’s economy. The bypass will serve as a key link in this vital infrastructure, connecting Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Shotcrete Australia’s contract for this project is valued at approximately $8 million. Our scope of works includes the retention of six portal faces, installation of surface and in-ground drainage systems, and the construction of various retention walls and ancillary works. The retention design features an innovative soil nail system with a unique mesh and spider bar system that integrates the entire portal face. Additionally, the project includes a specialised drainage system that seamlessly links sub-soil and surface drainage for optimal performance. Depending on ground conditions, Shotcrete Australia is also installing a rock bolt and fibrecrete retention system in certain areas of the portal faces.

This complex project is being executed to the highest standards, adhering to R64 and TU57 specifications. The active involvement of Transport for NSW as the parent client and the dynamic partnership with the Ferrovial/Gamuda Joint Venture have made this an exciting and rewarding endeavour for the Shotcrete Australia team. This collaboration has ensured the highest installation standards and fostered a spirit of cooperation and innovation, benefiting all parties involved.

Shotcrete Australia began work on this project in early 2023, with the bypass expected to open to traffic by late 2026. We are immensely proud of our significant role in this project, contributing to the Coffs Harbour Bypass in alignment with the current standards of the Pacific Highway upgrade program. Upon completion, the project will address declining transport efficiency, urban congestion, and road safety issues caused by the interaction of through and local traffic. This legacy of safety and local regeneration will endure well into the future, and we at Shotcrete Australia are honoured to play our part in such a significant and cooperative effort, driven by innovation and safety.