CATHERINE KING
FEDERAL MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 

Preparations are now in full swing for the start of construction of the Singleton Bypass, with early work progressing and final touches being made to the detailed design.

The Australian Government has committed $560 million and the NSW Government is investing $140 million to deliver the project and remove one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks.

Since being announced as the successful contractor for the eight-kilometre project, ACCIONA Constructions Australia has been busy carrying out early work including geotechnical and utility investigations, and additional site surveys.

These early activities will inform the detailed design for the project before major construction starts later this year.

Transport for NSW’s 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.

The Singleton Bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

Images and short video available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/tpgoNW4fNn.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is an exciting time for the local community which has been patiently waiting for the delivery of this bypass.

“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project.

“Importantly, the project also delivers economic growth and will support more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Singleton bypass will improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter region.

“When the bypass is built motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and it’ll remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre – improving safety, slashing travel times and increasing efficiency for all road users.”

Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“We are hitting the ground running on this vital infrastructure project, which will benefit many people who live, work and visit our region.

“As part of the project, Transport for NSW’s environment team are 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 have also carried out surveys of the Hunter River to help plan construction activities and ensure local aquatic species and river embankments remain protected.

“The Australian and NSW 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.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“The Singleton Bypass is another example of the ways the Australian and NSW governments are working together to deliver critical infrastructure projects that will set not only the Hunter, but the nation, up for the future.

“This will ensure safer and smoother journeys for local motorists, visitors and our freight industry who rely on the New England Highway as an important link road every day.”

3 JULY 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:
MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212
MINISTER AITCHISON – WENDY FITZGIBBON 0408 427 54