The New South Wales government has announced the Singleton Bypass is on track to open to traffic later this year with construction now back underway.
The $700 million project jointly funded by the federal and state governments is set to take 15,000 vehicles per day off Singleton’s main street in a move that will improve travel times and freight efficiency.
The eight-kilometre bypass will start near Newington Lane in the south and rejoin the highway just past Magpie Street in the north, featuring a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the New England Highway at the southern and northern ends and at Gowrie.
Last year, crews opened two bridges that allowed trucks to shift material within the project corridor without going through the CBD, while construction of all six bridges is now nearing completion, including the largest in the 1.6km long Hunter Floodplain bridge.
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The bridge construction has included installing 435 girders and 207 bridge piles, as well as pouring 161 concrete columns and 78 concrete bridge decks.
“The 1,300 workers on this project are making some incredible progress, and I know Hunter motorists, and anyone regularly passing through Singleton, can’t wait to enjoy smoother, safer and more reliable journeys when the bypass opens later this year,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“It’s one of the many projects across NSW being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments together that will be a real game-changer for the community.”
Only the finishing works remain, including installing safety rails, deck joints, placing asphalt, noise walls and safety screens.
Construction activities ongoing in early 2026 include drainage and earth works, continued pavement construction, relocating and connecting water, electrical and sewer services, constructing interchanges and starting landscaping.
“I am delighted to be able to say for the first time that Singleton Bypass will be open to traffic this year. The bypass is going to make a massive difference for road users across the Hunter,” NSW roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“We are cutting five sets of traffic lights, and ensuring Singleton locals can reclaim their CBD – with 15,000 fewer vehicles passing through it each day. This is a win-win outcome for Singleton residents, visitors and freight operators.”
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