Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has today announced a re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will build the Coal Road Connection for the Muswellbrook Bypass project.
Mr Layzell said early works on the Muswellbrook Bypass are well underway and today’s announcement will significantly improve access between the Bypass and the town’s CBD.
“It was the NSW Nationals that requested Transport for NSW go back to the drawing board when designing the Muswellbrook Bypass to allow for a future connection at Coal Road,” Mr Layzell said.
“Today I’m announcing that if re-elected, we will invest an additional $9.5 million to build the Coal Road Connection.
“This project will keep the Hunter moving forward by cutting congestion and improving safety for the 10,000 motorists, including our truckies, who use this route each day.
“Another advantage of the connection will be improved access for emergency services including NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Ambulance and NSW Police.
“The message from the Muswellbrook community is clear that they want the Coal Road Connection for easier access between the Bypass and the CBD and that’s what we will deliver.”
In April 2021, the NSW Nationals backed the Coal Road component being included in the concept design phase of planning for the Muswellbrook Bypass and to co-fund local road upgrades with Muswellbrook Shire Council to support the connection.
Transport for NSW updated the design to include a future full connection at Coal Road that will allow for all traffic movements between Muswellbrook township and the bypass.
“The $9.5 million the NSW Nationals are committing to the bypass is all about future proofing the Coal Road Connection to enable the best link with the Muswellbrook CBD and also allow the potential development of industrial land close to the New England Highway,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway said.
“I have been in discussions with Dave Layzell and Muswellbrook Shire Council for a number of months to finetune this enhancement to the project.”
The $340 million Muswellbrook Bypass is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Construction of the New England Highway bypasses of Muswellbrook and Singleton are expected to create more than 2000 jobs.
PICTURE CAPTION: Dave Layzell with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway and Muswellbrook Mayor Steve Reynolds joining a Muswellbrook Shire Council inspection of Coal Road.
PICTURE CAPTION: Graphic (below) from the New England Highway bypass of Muswellbrook Submissions report, June 2022.
