BY JOHN HEWITT
The much-awaited Newcastle Inner City bypass is a step closer with the completion of the section between Rankin Park and Jesmond, ahead of the project's planned opening later this year.
With all major bridges on the route now connected, crews are working on completing earthworks, road surfacing, safety barriers, noise walls and landscaping.
Once complete, the bypass is expected to remove up to 30,000 vehicles a day from Newcastle Road, improving road safety, easing congestion and providing a more reliable journey for motorists.
The bypass project, which is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, is expected to significantly reduce peak-period travel times and strengthen connections to key destinations, including John Hunter hospital, the University of Newcastle and key shopping centres.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said it will make every-day travel simpler and faster for thousands of Newcastle motorists.
"I want to thank Newcastle motorists for their patience as we complete the bypass program, and we're confident it will be worth the wait,' she said.
"The project will mean the bypassing of 11 sets of traffic lights, halving peak-period travel times and improving safety for Newcastle motorists.
"With the completion of this latest stage we're looking forward to opening of the bypass later this year, weather permitting."
