Fresh update on works to fix Coffs Harbour-Armidale tourist road

The main regional link road between Coffs Harbour and Armidale is ranked as one of the most exciting drives in Australia, but it’s frequently cut by foul weather, surging waterfalls and landslips. See what’s changing.

Landslips are common on the mountainous tourist road between Bellingen and Armidale.

The NSW government has revealed a suite of projects designed to improve the major tourist road between Coffs Harbour and Armidale.

Waterfall Way is as majestic as it is mountainous - and it’s frequently cut by rainfall, crashes and landslips.

Successive state governments have poured millions into the link road, which is ranked as one of the nation’s best drives, especially for motorcyclists.

But the steep, twisty route has long been a point of contention - as its’ closure can isolate the communities of Bellingen, Thora and Dorrigo from one another.

So too the cities of Coffs Harbour and Armidale.

Waterfall Way - yes, there’s a road under there at Newell Falls. Picture: Adam Dederer

Transport for NSW has this week given an update on a string of upgrades.

The latest completed work includes the installation of slow vehicle turnout lanes, safety improvement projects at Bakers Creek, and upgrades between Mahers and Boggy Creek roads, region north director Anna Zycki said.

Waterfall Way links Bellingen to Armidale but it's a regional road that presents plenty of challenges as it rises through steep terrain. Picture: Transport for NSW

“We’ve also completed maintenance on Allans Water and Coutts Water bridges, reseals on various sections and repair work to asphalt in Dorrigo,” Ms Zycki said.

“All this work combined continues to make this popular road safer and more attractive.”

Like a labour of love, there’s much more to do, as Coffs and Dorrigo residents have demanded development of an alternative route between the Coffs Coast and the Northern Tablelands.

“One of the next items on the list is to finalise installation of electronic message boards at six locations between Bellingen and Dorrigo, which will give drivers advance warning of road conditions,” Ms Zycki said.

Waterfall Way has been rated one of Australia’s best drives. Picture: Transport for NSW

“We’ll never be able to stop things like flash flooding impacting the road but providing drivers with plenty of warning gives them the opportunity to plan their journeys.

“We’re also widening and making improvements to the road just over one kilometre west of Bellingen, carrying out slope repair work near the Ebor tip, improving the pavement quality 60km east of Armidale and upgrading guardrails at various locations.”

The waterfalls for which the regional road is named are an attraction for tourists, and occasionally a barrier for drivers.

“We’ll then turn to culvert repairs between Newell and Sherrard falls, culvert and guardrail repairs west of Dorrigo, permanent repair work to landslip sites at Myers Bluff and Thora, and safety improvement work east of Wills Creek,” Ms Zycki said.

Transport for NSW encourages Waterfall Way users to register for SMS alerts so they can get notifications on emergency or planned road closures. To register, visit https://nswroads.work/waterfallway

Originally published as Fresh update on works to fix Coffs Harbour-Armidale tourist road