Construction on the Singleton Bypass is on track to start in 2023, with the NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments securing funding to finalise planning and deliver the bypass.
NSW Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said the bypass will involve building a new section
of highway across the floodplain west of Singleton, from near Newington Lane to north of McDougalls Hill.
“With 26,000 vehicles, including more than 3700 trucks, currently using our Singleton town centre each day, the planned bypass will reduce travel times, ease congestion and improve safety for all road users along this key corridor,” Mr Johnsen said.
“I know how much this project means to locals, which is why I’ve been pushing to get the job done, so I’m glad we’ve now received the funding required to finalise planning for the Singleton Bypass.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said the NSW Nationals in the federal government last month committed $560 million to the project in the 2020–21 Budget as part of its record investment in transport infrastructure.
“This project is great news for Singleton, great news for the Hunter and markets to the north-west – it’s going to reduce congestion and travel times,” Mr McCormack said.
“The bypass project is expected to support more than 1,370 jobs and we will draw on local businesses and contractors because we know how important it is to keep infrastructure and jobs in the regions as we lay the economic foundations for recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
NSW Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the bypass would improve traffic flow, travel times and safety through the heart of Singleton.
“We know how important this project is to the community – that’s why the NSW Nationals in the state government committed $92 million towards the project last year,” Mr Toole said.
“With the NSW Nationals in the federal government coming on board, I’m confident we can now get on and deliver the community the bypass they deserve.”
Federal NSW Nationals Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the proposed route will bypass five sets of traffic lights and remove about 15,000 vehicles per day from the town centre.
“The proposed bypass will be designed to cater for a later upgrade to a dual carriageway where required to meet future traffic demands,” Mr Joyce said.
“Just like the Toowoomba Range Crossing is important to people in St George, the Singleton Bypass is important to people in the New England.”
NSW Nationals Senator Perin Davey said the bypass will make a massive difference to locals, as well as the thousands of motorists who travel along the New England Highway every day, especially freight and heavy vehicles.
“This project will bring us another step closer to delivering a seamless highway for tourists and commercial vehicles, which are both so important to the local economies,” Senator Davey said.
A Review of Environmental Factors (environmental impacts assessment) was released for community consultation in late 2019 with the Submissions Report handed down in August 2020.
Transport for NSW is currently finalising the concept design based upon community feedback and will keep the community informed as the project progresses.
The NSW Nationals in the federal government has committed $560 million towards the project on an 80:20 basis, with the NSW Nationals in the state government providing the remaining funding.
For the latest information on the proposal and to view the submissions report visit nswroads.work/Singleton.
