Motorists travelling through Newcastle are a step closer to bypassing 11 sets of traffic lights and reduced peak travel times, with the Newcastle Inner City Bypass now fully connected between Rankin Park and Jesmond for the first time.
The project is backed by a $488.2 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, with $390.6 million from the Commonwealth and $97.6 million from New South Wales.
The fifth and final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will improve safety, ease congestion and deliver faster, more reliable journeys for motorists.
Once complete, the bypass is expected to remove up to 30,000 vehicles a day from Newcastle Road, which is currently used by around 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles daily, as well as Croudace Street and Lookout Road – reducing pressure on local roads and improving travel times across the network.
Motorists travelling north–south on the new section of bypass will benefit from peak-period travel times expected to be more than halved. Completing these earthworks enabled crews to connect the main bypass alignment for the first time and continue work on road surfacing, safety barriers and noise walls.
With all major bridges now complete and the route connected, work is now focused on finishing the northern interchange ramps, final road surfacing, shared user path connections, traffic systems and landscaping ahead of opening.
The Rankin Park to Jesmond section is expected to open to traffic before the end of 2026, weather permitting.
The project will also strengthen connections to key destinations including Bennetts Green, Charlestown and Jesmond shopping centres, the University of Newcastle, the Pacific Highway and the John Hunter Hospital precinct.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
This transformational $488.2 million investment has supported local jobs and businesses during construction as well as delivering long-lasting productivity and liveability benefits for the entire Newcastle community.
By delivering this vital missing link, we are slashing congestion, significantly improving safety, and keeping Newcastle moving.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
This is a major milestone for Newcastle and the Hunter, connecting Rankin Park to Jesmond for the first time on a road our region has needed for decades.
As a Hunter local, I know how much pressure growth is putting on our roads, our hospital precinct and our key centres.
This bypass will help take that pressure off, cut congestion and keep people moving across the region.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
Projects like the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are about something simple: helping people get where they need to be so they can spend more time with their family, doing things they love and less time on the road.
This milestone means we’re closer to delivering a bypass that will make every-day travel simpler, faster and more reliable for thousands of locals across Newcastle and the Hunter.
“Delivering major construction at one of the busiest intersections in the Hunter while keeping traffic moving is an enormous task, made even more challenging by periods of wet weather.
This milestone is a credit to the 900 workers who have safely delivered this complex work under difficult conditions, and I want to thank them for their commitment to keeping this project moving forward for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter.”
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:
The Albanese Labor Government is making a massive investment in Newcastle’s future, delivering safer roads and faster journeys for thousands of local motorists every day.
“By bypassing up to 11 sets of traffic lights and peak travel times expected to reduce by half, this project will save people time and ease pressure on our local road network.
“This is the infrastructure Newcastle needs – reducing congestion, improving safety and helping our city keep moving.”
Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:
Connecting these final pieces means taking up to 30,000 vehicles a day off the existing Lookout Road, Croudace Street, and Newcastle Road routes.
By bypassing up to 11 sets of traffic lights, motorists will see peak travel times reduced by more than half, meaning less time in traffic and more time at home with family.”
NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:
“People in Newcastle have been talking about the need for this connection for years, so seeing the bypass fully connected for the first time is a significant moment for our community.
“This project will take pressure off local roads, make trips more predictable and help people spend less time sitting in traffic.
“With the major structures complete and the route now connected, local residents can see the finish line. We’re getting closer to opening a piece of infrastructure that will improve the way people move around Newcastle every day.”