BY IAN CROUCH
It's hoped work on the 5th stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will get under way from midway through next year.
Tenders have been called for construction of the $450 million section, with three subcontractors vying for the work following an expression of interest process.
They are:
* John Holland Pty Ltd;
* Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd and;
* NEWLink - BMD Constructions Pty Ltd and Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd Joint Venture.
It's expected the tender will be awarded early next year.
The road is expected to reduce travel times by 80 per cent, bypassing 11 sets of traffic lights between, Lookout, Croudace and Newcastle Roads and removing up to 30,000 cars per day in the process.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government has committed $360 million to build this section of road.
"The Federal Government is committed to busting congestion and reducing travel times through this multi-millon-dollar investment in the Newcastle Inner City Bypass," he said.
Transport for NSW is working with NSW Health to ensure the bypass provides a second access road to the John Hunter Hospital.
It's expected the bypass will open to traffic in 2025.
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| The proposed northern interchange of stage 5 of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass |
