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$700 million Singleton Bypass project work begins

Singleton

Early work on the Singleton bypass infrastructure project has begun, marking the start of the largest major works for the NSW town.

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

The early work will include the installation of fencing along the corridor, demolition of existing buildings and relocation of utilities with additional geotechnical investigations and surveys to be carried out.

Following community consultation the bypass will include a full interchange with Putty Road and a new 600 metre bridge at the southern connection.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King spoke on the difference this project would make for those in the Singleton area.

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

“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.”

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, with local weather conditions permitting.

The importance of the project for the community and the local construction and construction materials economy is large, as Federal Member for the Hunter region, Dan Repacholi, said.

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

The Australian Government has committed $560 million and the NSW Government $140 million to deliver the bypass.

To find out more information about the project, visit the project page.

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