The long-awaited Singleton bypass is one step closer to becoming a reality after the major design and construction contract was signed.
Acciona Constructions Australia has been announced as the successful contractor for the eight-kilometre project, which will remove one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks.
The Albanese Government has committed $560 million and the Minns Government is investing $140 million to deliver the New England Highway bypass of Singleton.
This project forms an important part of the Australian Government’s wider $764 million dollar investment in projects along the New England Highway.
Since early work on the project began in late 2022, fencing has been erected along the corridor, existing buildings demolished, utilities relocated and additional geotechnical investigations have been carried out in preparation for major construction work.
Major work on the bypass is expected to start in mid-2024 and it is due to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“This is a landmark day for the Upper Hunter, locking in the company to design and construct Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be partnering with states and territories across the country to deliver the projects that matter.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister 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 attributable to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:
“This is the biggest road infrastructure project in Singleton’s history and it will benefit so many people who live, work and visit our region.
“Importantly, the project also delivers economic growth and will support more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”
Quotes attributable to Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter electorate Emily Suvaal:
“With the major contract now signed, we can really hit the ground running on this vital infrastructure project.
“The Singleton bypass is another example of the ways the Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working together to deliver critical infrastructure projects that will set not only the Hunter, but the nation, up for the future.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Singleton Sue Moore:
“There’s always been a lot of questions about whether the bypass would proceed and this announcement means we can now move forward with certainty.
“People will be able to move around like they should be able to, more easily and without needing to plan around regular traffic congestion.”
“The bypass will also allow better access to Singleton and increase opportunities for more housing in our community.”
