The contract for the concept design and environmental assessment for the future New England bypass of Singleton, New South Wales, has been awarded.
Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, said the Roads and Maritime Services has awarded the contract to AECOM.
Mr Johnsen said the upgrade would involve building nine kilometres of new highway including a potential 3.1km bridge over the Main Northern Railway, Doughboy Hollow and Hunter River floodplains.
The Nationals in Government have committed $92 million under Rebuilding NSW including $3 million this financial year to progress planning for the future bypass which will improve traffic flow, travel times and safety in the Singleton community.
“The preferred option involves building a new section of highway west of Singleton starting near Newington Lane and rejoining the New England Highway north of McDougalls Hill,” Mr Johnsen said.
“Roads and Maritime displayed three route options for the future bypass in 2015 complete with technical investigations which included flood modelling.
“The selected route would provide the best functional, social and environmental outcomes for both our local community, and the project.
“With the contract now awarded, work will start on survey and geotechnical investigations as well as environmental studies. Feedback from our local Singleton community will of course be invited when the concept design and environmental assessment are prepared.”
