Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project has taken a leap forward today with early work starting on the NSW Hunter Valley town’s $700 million bypass.
Early work will include the installation of fencing along the corridor, demolition of existing buildings and relocation of utilities. Additional geotechnical investigations and surveys will also set to be carried out.
The project is being built under a design and construct contract with tenders expected to be awarded in mid-2023. In November, Transport for NSW announced it had shortlisted the tenderers.
SW Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Sam Farraway said that once complete, the bypass will remove one of the Hunter region’s worst bottlenecks.
“The eight-kilometre project will ease congestion on one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks making the daily commute for motorists easier,” the Minister said.
“It will bypass five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre.”
Following community consultation, the bypass will include a full interchange with Putty Road and a new 600-metre-long bridge at the southern connection.
The project will also be designed to cater for a later upgrade to a dual carriageway where required to meet future traffic demands.
“To say this will be a game changer for the region would be an understatement,” said Federal Member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi.
“The New England Highway currently carries around 26,000 vehicles, including more than 3,700 heavy vehicles, through the centre of Singleton each day.
“By reducing traffic passing through, particularly that heavy freight, motorists will reap the benefits of better traffic flow, travel times and safety through Singleton’s town centre.
“Plus, with the local jobs and long-term economic boost the project will deliver, it’ll leave a lasting legacy for communities,” Mr Repacholi said.
Major work on the bypass is expected to start in late 2023 and it is due to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.
The Australian Government has committed $560 million and the NSW Government $140 million to deliver the bypass.
