Two new bridges constructed for the Singleton Bypass are already delivering a benefit to the community.
Even though the eagerly-awaited project won’t officially open to traffic until late 2026, the structures have provided an alternate route for large haulage trucks to alleviate their impact through the CBD.
The bridges already installed across the Hunter River and the New England Highway at Gowrie now boast guardrails – or parapets.
“That has allowed heavy vehicles to use the alignment,” Transport for NSW (TfNSW) executive director partnerships and integration north Greg Collins said.
“The section of the New England Highway through Singleton carries about 26,000 vehicles, including more than 3,700 heavy vehicles, each day and construction of the bypass has only added to that.
“Having these two newly-constructed bridges open for use by haulage trucks minimises further disruptions to the community and town centre as work continues.
“Those moving fill from earthworks at the northern end of the project can now travel through the alignment to Putty Road, removing approximately 250 vehicles per day from the CBD.
“With traffic volumes predicted to rise over the coming years, the bypass will make a massive difference to safety and amenity in Singleton, benefitting residents, visitors and local businesses.”
The off-road haulage allows larger trucks to be used during construction, which means the project can be completed more efficiently.
It also minimises heavy vehicle movements through the town centre.
“The haulage of fill from the northern end of the project and along the New England Highway to the southern connection at Whittingham is still required,” Mr Collins said.
“And, we acknowledge the community impact of these extra truck movements through Singleton.
“Earthwork material cut from McDougalls Hill is being used to build road embankments between the various bridges and overpasses which make up the bypass.”
The $700 million venture is being funded thanks to a $560 million investment from the Australian Government and $140 million from the NSW Government.
Overall, it’s about eight kilometres long and – when complete – will save motorists about six minutes in travel time, avoiding up to five sets of traffic lights.
“The Singleton Bypass is expected to remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the section of the New England Highway through the CBD, improving safety and easing congestion on one of the Hunter’s most notorious bottlenecks,” Mr Collins said.
“It also includes a full interchange at Putty Road, and connections with the New England Highway at the southern end, the northern end and at Gowrie.
“The bypass will improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter region through safer journeys, shorter travel times and more efficient freight transport and allowing Singleton to reclaim its main street.”
For more news stories:
- Hunter coal project threatens state’s net zero targets
- Final girders locked into place as new Ironbark Creek bridge takes shape
- Singleton mine fined $30,000 for polluting water
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