The 381 million dollar Muswellbrook Bypass is powering forward, with early works well underway and a refined design finalised to deliver safer journeys, faster freight movements and better outcomes for the local community.
The New England Highway upgrade is jointly funded by the Federal Government, contributing 304.8 million dollars, and the State Government, contributing 76.2 million dollars. The bypass will divert around 2,500 heavy vehicles a day away from Muswellbrook’s town centre, which currently carries around 20,000 vehicles daily. Once complete, it will provide a free-flowing 100 km/h alternative route for through traffic, cutting congestion and reducing conflicts between heavy vehicles, local traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
Key refinements to the design include a safer intersection at Milpera Drive, improved northern and southern connections, better local road access and a dedicated U-turn facility on the New England Highway north of the project. The updated design also reduces flooding impacts and minimises property acquisition, and the project is expected to support about 720 jobs during construction.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the bypass was one of the most significant road projects underway in the Upper Hunter.
“It will take 20,000 vehicles out of the town centre, making local streets safer while giving freight operators a faster, more reliable route,” she said.
Shortlisted applicants have now progressed to the Request for Tender stage, with main construction expected to begin in 2027.
