Singleton: State Govt, Opposition commit to Putty Rd interchange after incomplete bypass plans
Concerns around half-baked Singleton Bypass plans have been eased with both the State Government and Opposition now committing to properly funding the project.
Newcastle
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Both the Berejiklian Government and the Opposition have promised to build a Putty Rd interchange, after the important detail was left out of initial plans for the Singleton Bypass.
The omission of the interchange had previously seen the bypass plans criticised as being half-baked and not taking into consideration the real needs of the town.
But the Upper Hunter by-election seems to have given those concerns the spotlight they needed.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole made the funding announcement alongside NSW Nationals candidate David Layzell on Friday, rounding out a week of campaigning in the Hunter region.
The pledge came just one day after Labor candidate Jeff Drayton promised to fully fund the same aspect of the bypass.
Singleton mayor Sue Moore, who has been vocal about the need to get bypass plans right the first time, said she was “thrilled” the interchange would be included.
“The Putty Rd interchange has been a major concern for our community to ensure the vitality of our town centre, making it easy for all motorists to exit onto John St from any direction and quickly and easily get on their way again,” Mr Moore said.
“As we well know, the bypass has long been on Singleton’s wish list and while it’s wonderful to have the funding for the project, it’s just as important to make sure we get the best outcome for our community and the wider Hunter region with a design that’s going to serve motorists now, and for decades to come.”
Work on the eight-kilometre bypass is expected to start mid-2023 and finish in late 2026.
The $700 million project is planned to improve safety and reduce travel time by removing about 15,000 vehicles a day from the New England Hwy through Singleton.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the interchange was an important aspect in the bypass’s viability as a freight route.
“Business Hunter has identified the Singleton Bypass as a key infrastructure priority for the Hunter region in our submissions to State and Federal Government over a number of years and agree with the community that it must be built properly to accommodate current and future traffic flow,” Mr Hawes said.
“Now that the project has received the required funding commitments, it is important that we get shovels in the ground and get it completed.”
The State Government appears to have learned its lesson on bypass planning as it moves to the concept design phase of a Muswellbrook Bypass.
Mr Barilaro on Friday said the Muswellbrook plans would include connections to Coal Rd, and consultation would be held with council to identify other connections and upgrades.
He said both the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses would create about 2,000 local jobs.
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