William Scott
Construction is set to begin earlier than planned on the Muswellbrook Bypass and planning will soon commence for the new Cessnock Bypass, promising faster and safer journeys for motorists in the Hunter.
The federal government has brought forward its $304.8 million investment in the Muswellbrook Bypass which means construction can commence ahead of schedule.
Critical utility relocation work will start in 2025 and the tender for major construction is expected to be in late 2026, with construction to commence the following year.
The bypass will move the New England Highway out of the Muswellbrook town centre, onto an alternate route to the town’s east.
The new route will allow highway traffic to avoid traffic lights and flow freely at highway speeds, saving time for motorists and truck drivers who are travelling through the Hunter toward Aberdeen in the north, or the Liddell region in the south.
With the 13,000-20,000 cars that pass through Muswellbrook’s town centre every day, residents will benefit from a less congested main street and reduced wear-and-tear on local roads, with 13 per cent being heavy vehicles.
The Muswellbrook Bypass is just one project within the suite of New England Highway Corridor upgrades, with the federal government investing nearly $1.1 billion in improving the highway between Tenterfield and Newcastle.
The bypass is funded in partnership with the New South Wales government, which is contributing $76.2 million.
The federal government is also announcing $5 million today to kick-start the planning process for a future Cessnock bypass.
The project will identify an alternative safe route to connect new housing developments at Bellbird in Cessnock’s south west to Nulkaba in the north and then onwards to the Hunter Expressway.
This would bypass Cessnock’s city centre, reducing traffic congestion on Wollombi Road and supporting safer, more efficient journeys for road users.
These transformative packages of works will better connect residents of the Hunter region with jobs and services, and will fast-track goods to markets and consumers.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that fast tracking this work in Muswellbrook is a big win for motorists and truck drivers in the Hunter, but also for residents who will see a significant reduction of vehicles through their local roads.
“We’re accelerating this funding so construction can start ahead of schedule,” Ms King said.
“Alongside our planning work for a future Cessnock Bypass, the federal government’s investment will mean trips across the Hunter will be quicker and safer, sooner.”
Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said that the Muswellbrook Bypass is a game-changer for the community.
“Not only will it ease congestion and improve travel times, but the construction phase will bring hundreds of jobs to the region, supporting local businesses and boosting our economy,” Mr Repacholi said.
“When the bypass is complete, Muswellbrook will see less heavy traffic through its main streets, making it a more inviting place for locals and visitors to stop, shop, and enjoy everything our town has to offer.
“The $5 million investment from the federal government to kickstart planning for the Cessnock Bypass is another critical step in improving connectivity in the Hunter. Cessnock’s roads are under significant pressure and this project will provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses alike.
“The Cessnock Bypass will work hand-in-hand with existing road infrastructure to significantly reduce traffic and congestion on Wollombi Road. By easing pressure on this critical route, we can ensure safer and more efficient journeys for locals and visitors while supporting the continued growth and prosperity of the region.”
