Federal Government commits $268.8m to new bypass

(Photo by Nagy Szabi on Unsplash)

The Federal Government has committed $268.8 million to build the Muswellbrook bypass on the New England Highway, which will provide a major boost for freight travel through the region.

Construction on the project is expected to commence in early 2023 and be completed by late 2027.

The project is expected to support 720 direct and 1,090 indirect jobs, and will create opportunities for local businesses and suppliers, delivering a significant economic boost to the Hunter region and facilitating the smooth and efficient flow of valuable commodities to local ports.

Funding for the bypass is part of the new Energy Security and Regional Development Plan, which will see the Federal Government invest $750 million in the Hunter to transform the region into a next generation export hub.

The New South Wales Government will contribute $67.2 million towards the project in an 80:20 funding split.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said the new bypass will help make the Hunter region as strong as possible, as quickly as possible.

“Our Government is building the infrastructure that will make our nation wealthier and stronger,” Mr Joyce said.

“The Hunter region is home to some of our most valuable commodities. Building the Muswellbrook bypass will ensure these products continue flowing smoothly and safely to our ports.

“The sooner our valuable commodities are loaded onto boats and sent overseas, the sooner we get paid and the stronger we become. That is why we are investing in this critical transport route.”

New South Wales Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, said the Federal Government’s $268.8 million investment in this critical project brings the total joint investment in the New England Highway to more than $1.1 billion.

“We are getting on with the job of transforming journeys right along the New England Highway, having delivered the $137 million Scone bypass ahead of schedule in 2020, and committing $700 million to build the Singleton bypass, on track for construction in 2023,” Mr Toole said.

“The New England Highway is a major freight and commuter route, and these bypasses will remove through traffic, dramatically reduce congestion and return local streets to the community.”

New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the bypass would improve the driving experience for all road users.

“Between 11,000 and 20,000 vehicles pass through Muswellbrook each day, about 13 per cent of which are heavy vehicles,” Mr Farraway said.

“We will upgrade the currently predominately two-lane road, improving trip times and safety by avoiding numerous intersections, varying speed limits and nearby buildings with minimal setback from the road.

“The Muswellbrook bypass will lower costs for business and bolster our supply chains by improving travel times for long-haul freight movements thanks to a free-flowing, 100km-per-hour alternative route.”

Senator for New South Wales, Perin Davey, said the Federal Government is continuing to deliver the infrastructure locals need and deserve.

“This project is not our only commitment to get transport and freight around the Hunter more efficiently,” Mr Davey said.

“This year’s Budget commits $8 million toward the $10 million critical planning works for the New England Highway duplication between Muswellbrook and Singleton. We’re also delivering $560 million toward the $700 million Singleton Bypass, also on the New England Highway.