The Singleton Bypass in New South Wales is on track to open later in 2026, providing faster, safer journeys and removing thousands of vehicles from the town centre each day.
Construction is progressing on the $700 million project. The bypass is funded through a $560 million contribution from the Federal Government and $140 million from the NSW Government.
Once open, the eight-kilometre bypass will divert around 15,000 vehicles daily from Singleton’s main street, reducing travel times, improving freight efficiency and enhancing safety by avoiding five sets of traffic lights.
The bypass begins near Newington Lane in the south and rejoins the New England Highway just past Magpie Street in the north. Key features include a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the highway at the southern and northern ends, as well as at Gowrie.
Major milestones achieved in 2025 included the opening of two bridges, allowing trucks to transport material within the corridor without passing through the CBD, reducing the impact of construction traffic. Construction of all six bridges is now nearing completion, including the 1.6-kilometre structure across the Hunter Floodplain. The bridge works have involved installing 435 girders, 207 piles, 161 concrete columns, and 78 bridge decks. Remaining works include safety rails, deck joints, asphalt placement, noise walls, and safety screens.
Road pavement construction is underway across the corridor, with other early 2026 activities including:
- Drainage and earthworks
- Continued pavement construction, including asphalting and line marking
- Relocation and connection of water, electrical and sewer services
- Construction of interchanges
- Landscaping
To date, approximately 500,000 cubic metres of earthwork material – equivalent to 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools – have been placed along the project alignment. The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the 1,300 workers on this project are making incredible progress.
“Hunter motorists and anyone passing through Singleton will soon enjoy smoother, safer and more reliable journeys when the bypass opens later this year,” King said.
“It’s one of many projects across NSW that will be a real game-changer for the community.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the bypass will make a massive difference for road users across the Hunter.
“Singleton residents will see 15,000 fewer vehicles passing through the town each day, reducing congestion and improving safety,” Aitchison said.
“This project allows families to spend less time in traffic and more time together, while supporting freight efficiency and reclaiming the CBD for local use.”
