The contract for early work on the Muswellbrook bypass has been awarded to a locally-owned and Aboriginal-owned business, as part of a larger effort to improve employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal communities in the Hunter region.
Fenech Demolition has been awarded the first contract for the early work on the Muswellbrook bypass.
Improving employment and business opportunities for the Aboriginal communities of the Hunter region is a key feature of the contract for early work on the New England Highway bypass of Muswellbrook.
Fenech Demolition Managing Director, Julian Fenech, said Fenech Demolition are pleased to help progress the bypass which will make such a difference to the people of Muswellbrook.
“Being a Wanaruah first nations man I am proud to be part of this project,” Mr Fenech said.
“The people of the Wanaruah Nation will benefit from this contract, which helps ensure they play a part in the benefits that will flow from the project.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “The New England Highway provides direct access for the Hunter Valley and New England regions to and from the metropolitan areas of Newcastle and Sydney.
“This much-needed project will transform travel across the growing Hunter region.”
Early works have already commenced with demolition work and general clearing.
Next steps for the bypass will involve inviting companies who have registered their interest to participate in the following Expression of Interest stage, before Transport for New South Wales develops a shortlist of tenderers by mid-year 2023.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said, “The New South Wales Government is moving our state forward by building the infrastructure projects needed in the Hunter to support one of the fastest growing areas in regional New South Wales.
“With so many major infrastructure projects already underway or just getting started in the Hunter Region, the New South Wales Government held an industry briefing in Newcastle last year to encourage more local involvement.”
Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said the project will reduce travel time along this major transportation artery and improve the connection between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway.
The Muswellbrook bypass will have significant benefits including improving safety for all road users in the town centre and reducing travel times on the New England Highway.
Key features for the Muswellbrook bypass include the construction of a 9.3km bypass with a single lane in each direction, a 376m long bridge across Sandy Creek Road, Sandy Creek, Main North railway line, and a southbound exit ramp as well as southern, northern and central interchanges.
State Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, said the project will keep the Hunter moving forward by safety and cutting congestion for the 10,000 motorists, including a significant number of heavy vehicles, who use this route each day.
The $336 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments, with the Australian Government committing $268.8 million.
More information is available at the Muswellbrook Bypass project page, including an interactive portal at nswroads.work/Muswellbrook.
