Contract awarded to build fifth stage of Newcastle Inner City Bypass

A design and construct contract has been awarded to Fulton Hogan Construction Pty ahead of the construction of the fifth section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass getting underway later this year.

This section of works will deliver the ‘missing link’ of the bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond, meaning a faster, safer commute for locals who will be able to bypass 11 sets of traffic lights along this notorious stretch of road.

The contract will also involve delivering an early works package, on Lookout Road and McCaffrey Drive, to enable Fulton Hogan to accelerate work around the southern interchange later this year.

Major work is expected to start in October this year with the first cars expected to drive along the new bypass in 2025.

The $450 million project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis by the Australian and New South Wales governments.

Transport for NSW is working closely with NSW Health to ensure the project aligns with work on the John Hunter Health Innovation Precinct and to provide a second access road to the hospital campus.

More information about the project is available at nswroads.work/rp2j  

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This 3.4-kilometre stage of the bypass will be one of Newcastle’s largest infrastructure projects.

“This is an exciting day for the community, who have long benefitted from the previous stages of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and know the positive impact this project will have on travel times and congestion.

“Once the bypass is complete, commuters will enjoy a reduction of up to 80 per cent on travel times during the morning and afternoon peaks, bypassing 11 sets of traffic lights between Rankin Park and Jesmond.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward:

“The NSW Government has committed $90 million towards this project, which is expected to create up to 900 jobs during major work.

“The Newcastle Inner City Bypass has been designed to provide traffic relief to the surrounding road network by removing up to 30,000 vehicles each day from Lookout Road, Croudace Street and Newcastle Road.

“This is a transformational project for the city that will improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and enhance safety for all road users.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“It is exciting to see the early work at the southern end of the project nearing completion in preparation for major work on the bypass to kick off later in 2022.

“Over the past six months, workers have been busy relocating existing utilities including water, sewer, electrical, gas and telecommunications to pave the way for major work on this vital project.

“This job-creating project is good for local workers and will be a big win for commuters across Newcastle.”