Hogbin Drive Extension - Overview
Coffs Harbour's Hogbin Drive Extension, which provides a vital new north-south arterial road for the city, was officially opened on 1 March 2008.
Stage 1 of the road extension (between Arthur Street and Orlando Street) including the bridge over the railway had already been opened to traffic in December 2001.
Stage 2 - the section south of the railway (Orlando Street to Howard Street) - was the focus of the most recent project (2006-2008).
The new road extends Hogbin Drive along a new alignment from the Hogbin Drive-Albany Street-Howard Street roundabout, intersects with Harbour Drive closer to town and then across Coffs Creek, linking to Hogbin Drive North (see map).
The 'missing link' could finally become a reality after the announcement in late July 2005 that the Australian and New South Wales Governments would provide $5 million each towards the construction. Coffs Harbour City Council agreed to meet the remaining cost of construction - estimated to be a further $5 million.
The Hogbin Drive Extension provides a strategic, unifying link between the city's southern and northern precincts that was needed to relieve pressure on the Pacific Highway through the town and also on the Bray Street intersection (read more about the project's valuable benefits).
Planning & Timing
Preliminary work on the first stretch of the Hogbin Drive Extension (Albany Street to Harbour Drive) began in April 2006, with earthworks starting in August 2006. The new section of road was opened to traffic on 5 April 2007.
A new roundabout was built on Harbour Drive, adjacent to Orara Street, between August 2006 and April 2007. The roundabout was partly opened to traffic on 5 April 2007, while work around the roundabout, Victoria Street and the old section of Hogbin Drive were completed early June. (Read more about the traffic changes or view photos of the progress.)
Site preparation works for construction of the road bridge to cross Coffs Creek commenced in September 2006. In early 2007, the bridge spanned the creek, and the bridge was completed late June 2007.
Construction of the connecting road north and south of Coffs Creek, effectively joining Hogbin Drive to Hogbin Drive North, was completed in February 2008 after extensive rain delays in November, December and January. The entire new stretch of road, including the new bridge, were opened to traffic on 1 March 2008.
Community Consultation & Communication
As various works along the road corridor were planned Council continued to inform residents of the impending works. A series of neighbourhood meetings were held in February 2006 to provide further information on the route and to respond to other resident enquiries.
A number of studies and consultations were carried out as part of the project. These include work on a new sea gull intersection to provide safe and reliable access from the southern end of Watsonia Avenue onto the new Hogbin Drive Extension for local residents. Letters informing residents of the chosen access route on the northern section were sent to homes in the Kingfisher Estate, Watsonia Avenue and Brodie Drive area.
An information display of the entire proposed route for the Hogbin Drive Extension has been on display at Council's Administration Building. Newsletters have also been sent to affected residents to keep them informed of developments in the construction of the Hogbin Drive Extension.
Council continuously consulted and communicated with affected residents about the works.
