Major construction to begin later this year on Singleton Bypass project

Early works are progressing and the final touches to the detailed design are being made to prepare the Singleton Bypass project for major construction. 

The Singleton Bypass project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $560 million and $140 million respectively. 

“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,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Since the appointment of ACCIONA Constructions Australia as contractor for the project, the company has been busy carrying out early works such as geotechnical and utility investigations as well as additional site surveys. 

These early works will help inform the detailed design for the new bypass road before major construction commences later this year. 

Ahead of vegetation clearing, Transport for NSW’s environment team has been working with ecologists to oversee the carving of replacement hollows in trees next to the project site, which will help preserve wildlife habitats. 

“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,” Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said. 

Key features of the project include: 

• About eight kilometres of new highway (the bypass) with a single lane in each direction 

• Connection with the New England Highway at the southern end of the bypass (the southern connection) including a southbound entry ramp and northbound exit ramp 

• A bridge over the bypass at the southern conncection 

• A bridge over the Main North railway line, the Doughboy Hollow and Hunter River floodplain, Army Camp Road and Putty Road (bridge over the floodplain) 

• Connection to Putty Road including a southbound entry ramp and northbound exit ramp at the Putty Road connection to create a full interchange via a roundabout at Putty Road (the Putty Road connection) 

• A bridge over the entry ramp at the Putty Road connection 

• A bridge over Rose Point floodway 

• A bridge over the Hunter River 

• A bridge over the New England Highway west of the existing Main North railway line overbridge (known as Gowrie Gates) 

• Connection with the New England Highway at Gowrie Gates consisting of a southbound entry ramp and northbound exit ramp. The northbound exit ramp would connect to the New England Highway via a new roundabout intersection at Maison Dieu Road 

• A climbing lane between Gowrie Gates and the northern connection 

• Connection at Magpie Street including providing access to the nearby industrial area (the northern connection), consisting of a southbound entry ramp, southbound exit ramp, and northbound entry ramp 

• A bridge over the bypass at the northern connection 

Weather permitting, the new bypass road is expected to open to traffic in late 2026. 

“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,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

“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,” NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2, 3); The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP; Newcastle Weekly