Major construction will soon start on the long-awaited fifth section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
The $450 million joint-funded project is expected to deliver the “missing link” between Rankin Park and Jesmond.
And, once the 3.4-kilometre bypass is complete, commuters will benefit from a reduction of up to 80% on travel times during the morning and afternoon peaks, avoiding 11 sets of traffic lights between the two suburbs.
Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said local and visiting motorists would certainly notice the difference in the city.
“It will mean a faster, safer commute for people along a notorious stretch of road,” she explained.
“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.”
It’s expected to open in 2025, weather permitting.
Transport for NSW is working closely with NSW Health to ensure the project aligns with work on the John Hunter Health Innovation Precinct, while offering a second access road to the hospital campus.
Early work and site establishment has been underway in recent months and Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd will now start main construction of the bypass.
The multi-million-dollar development, which supports up to 900 jobs, is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis by the Australian and NSW governments.
More information about the project is available at nswroads.work/rp2j
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