SINGLETON'S biggest infrastructure project to date is expected to remove one of the Hunter's most notorious bottlenecks and around 15,000 vehicles each day from the CBD.
The first sod was turned on Thursday, marking the start of major construction on the $700 million project.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the project will make travel safer, faster and more efficient.
"Starting construction on the bypass is one of the ways the NSW Government is delivering top-quality services to regional areas, making sure that our communities have access to the best infrastructure possible," she said.
"There's never been a better time to live in the Hunter.
"With this new bypass, we're connecting people across NSW and getting people from A to B quicker and safer than ever before."
Drivers will avoid five sets of traffic lights when the bypass is finished.
A full interchange at Putty Road, connections with the New England Highway at the southern and northern end and at Gowrie Gates are designed to provide connectivity to Singleton.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project will transform the way people move around the Hunter.
"The Liberals and Nationals talked about this project for years, but it has taken federal and state Labor governments to deliver it, working together for the communities of the Hunter region," she said.
"Agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing industries along with commuters and students will all benefit every single day from this investment."
Six bridges will be built as part of the project including four across the Hunter River floodplain as well as a northbound climbing lane.
The climbing lane will allow heavy vehicles to climb the hill without slowing other traffic between Gowrie Gates and the northern connection.
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said it's a huge milestone for the Singleton community.
"The project is also giving the local economy a much-needed boost by supporting more than 1,300 jobs during construction," he said.
The design was refined after further engagement, including modifying the southern connection and reconfiguring the Putty Road interchange to improve functionality and safety.
The Singleton Bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.
