The New South Wales town of Singleton is a step closer to eased traffic congestion, with early work starting on the Singleton Bypass.
The project is being built under a design and construct contract with tenders expected to be awarded in mid-2023.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King says the Australian Government is proud to be making an investment in the vital piece of infrastructure.
“This will benefit communities and businesses around Singleton by boosting freight productivity while safely and more quickly connecting people with jobs and services,” she says.
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 be carried out.
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The bypass will include a full interchange with Putty Road and a new 600-metre-long bridge at the southern connection, following community consultation. The project will also be designed to cater for a later upgrade to a dual carriageway where required to meet future traffic demands.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway says the eight-kilometre project is set to ease congestion on what is known to be one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks.
“It will bypass five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre,” Minister Farraway adds.
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 Singleton Bypass.
Federal Member for the Hunter Dan Repacholi MP says the bypass will be a gamechanger for the region. “The New England Highway currently carries around 26,000 vehicles, including more than 3,700 heavy vehicles, through the centre of Singleton each day,” he says.
“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.”