The long-awaited Singleton bypass project has reached a significant milestone today with the first sod turned, marking the start of major construction.
The $700 million project will deliver Singleton's biggest infrastructure project to date, with the Australian Government contributing $560 million and the NSW Government contributing $140 million.
When completed, the bypass will remove one of the Hunter region's most notorious bottlenecks and around 15,000 vehicles each day from the Singleton CBD.
Motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights and benefit from improved road safety and reduced travel times.
Preparations have been in full swing in the lead up to this long-awaited occasion, with contractor ACCIONA Constructions Australia Pty Ltd finalising the design of the project ahead of major work starting.
A full interchange at Putty Road and connections with the New England Highway at the southern end, the northern end, and at Gowrie Gates will provide connectivity to Singleton.
Six bridges will be built as part of the project including four across the Hunter River floodplain as well as a northbound climbing lane, that allows heavy vehicles to climb the hill without slowing other traffic, between Gowrie Gates and the northern connection.
Following additional investigations and constructive engagement with the community, stakeholder and property owners, the design has been further refined.
These refinements include modifying the southern connection and reconfiguring the Putty Road interchange to improve functionality and safety.
The Singleton Bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.
More information is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/singleton-bypass-new-england-highway.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Today is a landmark day for the Singleton community and I am delighted the Australian and NSW governments are working together to improve the journeys of people living and working right across the Hunter region.
"With the first sod turned, we are hitting the ground running on this vital infrastructure project, which will transform the daily lives of so many people around the Hunter region.
"It will mean people can get home safer and quicker, spending more time in their communities and less time on the road."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:
"Today, we're marking a major milestone for the Hunter as construction on the new bypass begins. This project will soon make travel safer, faster, and more efficient for everyone.
"Starting construction on the bypass is one of the ways the NSW Government is delivering top-quality services to regional areas, making sure that our communities have access to the best infrastructure possible.
"There's never been a better time to live in the Hunter. With this new bypass, we're connecting people across NSW and getting people from A to B quicker and safer than ever before."
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"I am excited to see major work underway on a project that will transform the way people move around the Hunter region.
"The Liberals and Nationals talked about this project for years, but it has taken Federal and State Labor governments to deliver it, working together for the communities of the Hunter region.
"Agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing industries along with commuters and students will all benefit every single day from this investment."
Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:
"This is a huge milestone for the Singleton community with the bypass soon about to take shape before their very eyes.
"The project is also giving the local economy a much-needed boost by supporting more than 1,300 jobs during construction."
Quotes attributed to NSW Labor's spokesperson for the Upper Hunter electorate Emily Suvaal:
"The Singleton Bypass is long overdue and will bring much relief to long suffering motorists in the Upper Hunter.
"The teams from contractor, ACCIONA Constructions, and Transport for NSW deserve a pat on the back for all their hard work getting ready to deliver the biggest road project in Singleton's history."
