The long awaited major upgrade of the New England Highway between Belford and the Golden Highway at Whittingham is forging ahead despite plenty of wet weather since construction began mid 2021.
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This section of the highway has been the site of numerous fatal and serious accidents in the last decade and remains a major bottleneck during the peak times that occur at 'shift changes' in the Upper Hunter's mining industry.
On any afternoon travellers from Singleton heading south can spend 45 minutes in a traffic crawl from the town centre through Whittingham past the roadworks until the hit the start of the dual carriageway at Belford.
The current work will improve safety and importantly travel times along that four-kilometre section of the highway.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the NSW Government is investing $97 million to provide two travel lanes in each direction and a flyover for vehicles turning right from the Golden Highway towards Maitland and Newcastle.
"Work on the upgrade started in September last year and it has been an impressive first six months with extensive earthworks, rock hammering and drainage underway for the new eastbound carriageway and flyover bridge," Mr Layzell said.
"Our community is really starting to get excited for this upgrade, particularly now they can see the overpass starting to rise between the highways and extensive rock removal showing the path for the new lanes.
"Work has also recently started on the new roundabout on the Golden Highway, which will connect to a left turn lane for motorists travelling towards Singleton, as well as provide access for adjoining properties.
"Once complete, this project will enable safer, smoother journeys for the 22,000 vehicles that use this vital route each day.
"It will also be a game-changer for the freight industry, which relies on this road for coal mining, grain production and other industries in the Hunter Valley and Central West to access the Port of Newcastle," Mr Layzell said.
Work on the project is expected to be completed by late 2024.
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Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
