First works contract awarded for $336m Muswellbrook Bypass NSW

The proposed New England Highway bypass of Muswellbrook in New South Wales is another step closer to beginning major construction as the contract for early works is awarded to Fenech Demolition Pty Ltd. 

Fenech Demolition is a second generation, family-run Aboriginal-owned business. 

“Being a Wanaruah first nations man I am proud to be part of this project. 

“The people of Wanaruah Nation will benefit from this contract, which helps ensure they play a part in the benefits that will follow from the project,” Fenech Demolition Managing Director Julian Fenech said. 

A key feature of the early works contract is to improve employment as well as business opportunities for Aboriginal communities. 

Early works are now underway with demolition and general clearing commencing last week. 

“Reaching this incredible milestone sends a clear message that the NSW Government is working hard every day to deliver the infrastructure that matters. 

“Today’s announcement is a real win for local businesses, for local jobs and our local indigenous communities. 

“This 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,” State Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said. 

While early works are being carried out, companies that have registered their interest in participating in the delivery of the project will be invited to take part in the Expressions of Interest stage before Transport for NSW begins working on a shortlist of tenderers by mid-2023. 

“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,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Coal Road connection - north facing (source: Transport for NSW)

Key features of the Muswellbrook Bypass will include: 

• About 9.3 kilometres of new highway with a single lane in each direction 
• Connection with the New England Highway at the southern end of the proposal, which provides all traffic movements (southern connection) 
• A 38-metre bridge over the bypass at the southern connection 
• A 76-metre-long bridge over Muscle Creek Road and Main North railway line 
• A 114-metre-long bridge over Muscle Creek 
• Connection with Coal Road, which provides all traffic movements (Coal Road connection), potentially to be constructed in stages 
• A 43-metre-long bridge over Coal Road 
• A 367-metre-long bridge over Sandy Creek Road, Sandy Creek, Main North railway line and southbound exit ramp 
• Connection with the New England Highway at the northern end of the proposal, which provides all traffic movements (northern connection) 
• Property access and local road adjustments including Burtons Lane, Koolbury Flats Row, Milpera Drive, Muscle Creek Road and Coal Road 

“This 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,” Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said. 

The $336 million Muwellbrook Bypass Project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. 

“The NSW 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 NSW. 

“With so many major infrastructure projects already underway or just getting started in the Hunter Region, the NSW Government held an industry briefing in Newcastle last year to encourage more local involvement. Today’s announcement is just one of the success stories from that event,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW (1, 2, 3); Roads & Infrastructure Australia