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.
