Shovels hit the ground on early work for Singleton bypass

Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project has taken a leap forward today with early work starting on the Singleton 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 be carried out.

The project is being built under a design and construct contract with tenders expected to be awarded in mid-2023.

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.

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. 

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

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

“The Australian Government is proud to be making a significant investment to bring this vital bypass to fruition.

“This will benefit communities and businesses around Singleton by boosting freight productivity while safely and more quickly connecting people with jobs and services.

“We know the real difference this can make for Australians, which is why our Government is investing in infrastructure like this right across NSW.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway:

“The eight-kilometre project will ease congestion on one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks making the daily commute for motorist easier.

“It will bypass five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre.

“The NSW Government is building what matters, like the Singleton bypass, to secure a brighter future for regional NSW.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for the Hunter Dan Repacholi MP:

“To say this will be a game changer for the region would be an understatement.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to the State Member for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell:

“It is all systems a go here in the Hunter, this is a project that I have pushed for because I know just how much of a positive impact it will make in our community.

"The Singleton bypass will not only bust congestion but it will improve connectivity, take the trucks out of the main township and, importantly, support more than 1,300 jobs during construction.

“I am pleased the bypass will include a full interchange with Putty Road and a new 600-metre-long bridge at the southern connection – something our community had asked for.”