Progress on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass has taken a step forward after tenders were called for major work on the $450M section between Rankin Park and Jesmond.

Southern Interchange. Photo supplied: NSW Government.

Transport for NSW called for registrations of interest for the tender process in early 2021.

Shortlisted contractors for the tender include John Holland, Fulton Hogan and NEWlink (a joint venture from BMD Constructions and Ditchfield Contracting).

The tender process will be open for 12 weeks until Friday, December 17.

The project will align with NSW Health’s John Hunter Health Innovation Precinct project and provide a second access road to the hospital campus.

The Australian Government has made a $360M commitment to building this section of the road, and NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the NSW Government had also committed $90M towards the project.

“The Newcastle Inner City Bypass has been designed to remove up to 30,000 vehicles each day from Lookout Road, Croudace Street and Newcastle Road, truly returning local roads to local residents,” Constance said.

“Utility relocation is continuing at the southern end of the bypass route, with the early works expected to be completed by July 2022.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Federal Government was committed to busting congestion and reducing travel times.

Northern Interchange. Photo supplied: NSW Government.

“Once the bypass is complete, commuters will enjoy up to an 80 per cent reduction in travel times during the morning and afternoon peaks, bypassing 11 sets of traffic lights between Rankin Park and Jesmond,” he said.

The tender for Rankin Park to Jesmond is expected to be awarded early next year. Construction is expected to start in the second half of the year.

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in 2025.

For more information about the project, visit the NSW Government website.

Information source: Media release, Barnaby Joyce MP