Upper Orara Road Culvert Replacement and Temporary Road Closure

Project typeConstruction
Project stageCommencing Monday 3 August. Approx 10 weeks.
Completion Date05 October 2026

Upper Orara Road Culvert Replacement and Temporary Road Closure

The City of Coffs Harbour is replacing the ageing culvert over Walgarah Creek on Upper Orara Road, approximately 500 metres south of Upper Orara Hall.

The existing culvert has reached the end of its service life and is being replaced to improve the safety, reliability and resilience of this section of the local road network. These essential works will ensure the road crossing continues to safely service the community for years to come.

Construction will commence on Monday 3 August 2026 and is expected to take approximately 10 weeks, weather permitting.

When are the works happening?

Road closure commences: Monday, 3 August 2026
Expected duration: Approximately 10 weeks (weather permitting)
Construction hours: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weekday

Changed traffic conditions — Road Closure

To safely complete these works, Upper Orara Road will be closed at the Walgarah Creek culvert for approximately 10 weeks.

During this time:

There will be no through access across the culvert.
Local access will remain available from both directions up to the road closure.
Motorists travelling through the area will need to follow the signed detour routes.
Please follow all temporary traffic signage and directions from traffic controllers.

Local access

Residents, landowners and visitors will continue to have access to properties on Upper Orara Road throughout construction. As the culvert crossing will be closed, vehicles will not be able to travel through the worksite and motorists will need to turn around at the closure and use either Upper Orara Road or Mount Brown Road to connect with Coramba Road. Local access will be maintained from either side of the closure:

Travelling from Coramba Road (north): You can access Upper Orara Road as far as the northern road closure point. To continue your journey, you will need to turn around and return via Coramba Road.
Travelling from Upper Orara (south): You can access Upper Orara Road as far as the southern road closure point. To continue your journey towards Coramba Road, turn around and follow the detour via Mount Browne Road.

The City of Coffs Harbour understands these works and the temporary road closure will inconvenience some road users. We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation while this important infrastructure upgrade is completed as quickly and safely as possible.

Please see the detour map below.