Two bypass roads in NSW Hunter region fast-tracked towards delivery

Two bypasses are being fast-tracked towards delivery to make journeys easier around New South Wales’ Hunter region. 

The Australian Government has brought forward $304.8 million to get construction underway on the Muswellbrook Bypass ahead of schedule. 

Critical utility relocation works will begin this year and the major construction tender will be announced in late 2026, with project construction to commence the following year. 

The Muswellbrook Bypass will move the New England Highway out of the town centre and onto an alternate route to the town’s west. This new road will allow motorists to avoid traffic lights and flow freely through the Hunter toward Aberdeen in the north or the Liddell region in the south. 

Between 13,000 and 20,000 vehicles pass through Muswellbrook’s town centre each day – 13 per cent being heavy vehicles – and the new bypass will benefit residents by reducing congestion on the main street as well as wear-and-tear on local roads. 

The Muswellbrook Bypass is one of the projects within the suite of New England Highway Corridor upgrades, which is funded by the Australian Government with $1.1 billion to improve the highway between Tenterfield and Newcastle. 

This bypass is funded in partnership with the State Government, which has contributed $76.2 million. 

“Fast tracking this work in Muswellbrook is a big win for motorists and truck drivers in the Hunter, but also for residents who will see a significant reduction of vehicles through their local roads. 

“We’re accelerating this funding so construction can start ahead of schedule. Alongside our planning work for a future Cessnock Bypass, the Albanese Government’s investment will mean trips across the Hunter will be quicker and safer, sooner,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Meanwhile, the Australian Government has announced a $5 million investment to get planning underway for a new Cessnock Bypass. 

The planning process will help identify an alternative safe route to connect new housing developments at Bellbird in Cessnock’s south west to Nulkaba in the north and then onwards to the Hunter Expressway. 

The new road will bypass Cessnock’s city centre, reducing congestion on Wollombi Road while supporting safer, more efficient journeys for road users. 

The two transformative projects will better connect residents of the Hunter region with jobs and services as well as fast-track the delivery of goods to markets and consumers. 

“The Muswellbrook Bypass is a game-changer for our community. Not only will it ease congestion and improve travel times, bu the construction phase will bring hundreds of jobs to the region, supporting local businesses and boosting our economy. 

“When the bypass is complete, Muswellbrook will see less heavy traffic through its main streets, making it a more inviting place for locals and visitors to stop, shop, and enjoy everything our town has to offer. 

“The $5 million investment from the Australian Government to kickstart planning for the Cessnock Bypass is another critical step in improving connectivity in the Hunter. Cessnock’s roads are under significant pressure, and this project will provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses alike. 

“The Cessnock Bypass will work hand-in-hand with existing road infrastructure to significantly reduce traffic and congestion on Wollombi Road. By easing pressure on this critical route, we can ensure safer and more efficient journeys for locals and visitors while supporting the continued growth and prosperity of the region,” Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine