It’s the Hunter Valley project most people believed would never see the light of day.
But, preparations are now in full swing for the start of major construction on the $700 million Singleton Bypass.
It comes as final touches were being made to the detailed design after ACCIONA Constructions Australia, the successful contractor for the eight-kilometre venture, finished early work, including geotechnical and utility investigations, and additional site surveys.
Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) environment team has also been working with ecologists, ahead of vegetation clearing, to oversee the carving of replacement hollows in trees adjacent to the project, to preserve wildlife habitats.
With the Australian Government committing $560 million and the NSW Government investing $140 million, construction on the region’s most notorious bottleneck will begin later this year.
The Singleton Bypass is then expected to open to traffic in late 2026.
“This is an exciting time for the local community, which has been waiting patiently,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project.
“Importantly, it’ll also support economic growth and more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi was equally-thrilled.
“We are hitting the ground running on this vital infrastructure project, which will benefit many people who live, work and visit our region,” he said.
“TfNSW is also overseeing the installation of carved hollows which will provide habitat for native fauna including birds, gliders, possums and bats that may be displaced during construction and operation of the project.
“ACCIONA has carried out surveys of the Hunter River, too, to help plan activities and ensure local aquatic species and river embankments remain protected.
“Both governments are committed to ensuring the furry, feathered and arguably cutest residents around the Singleton Bypass experience the best possible outcomes now and into the future.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the project would improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter.
For example, the freight industry relies on the New England Highway as an important link road daily.
“When the Singleton Bypass is built, motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights in the CBD,” she stated.
“It’ll also remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre – improving safety, slashing travel times and increasing efficiency for all road users.”
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