The Upper Hunter region is eagerly anticipating the completion of the Singleton Bypass, a monumental infrastructure project that promises to transform traffic flow, enhance safety, and boost economic efficiency north of Sydney. This $700 million investment, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, is the largest road infrastructure project in Singleton's history, poised to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

For decades, Singleton's town centre has grappled with significant traffic congestion. The New England Highway, a vital freight and commuter route, currently funnels around 26,000 vehicles, including approximately 3,700 heavy vehicles, directly through the heart of the town each day. This not only causes frustrating delays for motorists navigating five sets of traffic lights but also impacts the amenity and safety of local residents. The Singleton Bypass is designed to alleviate this bottleneck, rerouting an estimated 15,000 vehicles daily away from the CBD.

The project involves the construction of eight kilometres of new highway, designed for a posted speed limit of 100km/h, with a single lane in each direction. Key features of the bypass include six bridges, notably four spanning the Hunter River and its floodplain, as well as a significant 1.6-kilometre structure over the Doughboy Hollow floodplain. A northbound climbing lane between Gowrie and the northern connection will assist heavy vehicles, maintaining smoother traffic flow. Full interchanges at Putty Road and connections at the northern and southern ends of the bypass, along with Gowrie, will ensure seamless integration with the existing road network.

Major construction on the Singleton Bypass commenced in September 2024, and significant progress has been made, particularly on the complex bridge structures. Piling and pier construction are well underway, with hundreds of girders, piles, and pier columns being installed. The sheer scale of this undertaking is becoming increasingly evident as the bypass takes shape.

Beyond easing congestion, the Singleton Bypass offers a multitude of benefits. For commuters and freight operators, it will drastically reduce travel times and improve journey reliability through the Hunter Valley. This enhanced efficiency is crucial for supporting the region's key industries, including coal and agriculture, and strengthens connections to the Port of Newcastle. Improved road safety is another paramount advantage, as the diversion of heavy vehicles from the town centre will significantly reduce the potential for serious crashes.

Civil Labour
Electricians
Pipe Layers
Machine Operators
Trade Assistants
CW2-CW5
Skilled Labour
Civil Supervisors
Spotters
Riggers

The project is also generating substantial economic benefits, supporting over 1,300 jobs during the construction phase, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. Furthermore, extensive environmental and social considerations have been integrated into the project's design. This includes the implementation of noise walls, landscaping for visual screening, spill containment basins to protect the Hunter River, and even a fauna rope crossing to ensure safe passage for local wildlife. Measures have also been taken to protect vulnerable species like microbats.

The Singleton Bypass represents a crucial investment in the future of the Hunter Valley. By delivering a modern, efficient, and safer transport corridor, it will not only improve the daily lives of residents and commuters but also support the region's continued growth and prosperity for generations to come. The countdown to late 2026 continues, as Singleton eagerly awaits this transformative piece of infrastructure.

‍