An artistic impression of the new Singleton bypass. Image: NSW Government
The ceremonial first sod on the Singleton bypass in NSW has been turned on Thursday (September 5), marking the start of major construction on the $700m project.
The 8km-long project is being funded by the Commonwealth ($560m) and NSW Government ($140m).
The bypass is expected to remove around 15,000 vehicles each day from the Singleton CBD with drivers to avoid five sets of traffic lights, according to the NSW Government.
A full interchange at Putty Road and connections with the New England Highway at the southern and northern ends, and at Gowrie Gates will connect with Singleton.
Six bridges will be built as part of the project including four across the Hunter River floodplain and a northbound climbing lane for heavy vehicles between Gowrie Gates and the northern connection.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King describes the ceremony as “a landmark day” for Singleton.
“With the first sod turned, we are hitting the ground running on this vital infrastructure project, which will transform the daily lives of so many people around the Hunter region,” she said.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley echoes that later sentiment.
“This project will soon make travel safer, faster, and more efficient for everyone,” she says.
“With this new bypass, we’re connecting people across NSW and getting people from A to B quicker and safer than ever before.”
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says she is excited to see work on the project start.
“Agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing industries along with commuters and students will all benefit every single day from this investment,” she says.
Labor Federal MP for Hunter Dan Repacholi is heartened by the start of the project.
“This is a huge milestone for the Singleton community with the bypass soon about to take shape before their very eyes,” he says.
“The project is also giving the local economy a much-needed boost by supporting more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”
The NSW Labor spokeswoman for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal is also happy to see construction under way.
“The Singleton Bypass is long overdue and will bring much relief to long suffering motorists in the Upper Hunter,” she says.
“The teams from contractor, ACCIONA Constructions, and Transport for NSW deserve a pat on the back for all their hard work getting ready to deliver the biggest road project in Singleton’s history.”
The Singleton Bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.
More information is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/singleton-bypass-new-england-highway.
