The design contract for the New England Highway upgrade between Belford and the Golden Highway in NSW has been awarded.
Michael Johnsen, Member for Upper Hunter announced in a statement in September that Arup Pty Ltd had won the contract.
Mr. Johnsen said Arup Pty Ltd will carry out the concept design and environmental assessment, detailed design and tender documentation for the proposed upgrade.
“The NSW Government has allocated $85 million under Rebuilding NSW for the upgrade which aims to improve safety, traffic and travel times for the 22,000 vehicles using this section of the New England and Golden highways daily,” he said.
“The proposal involves widening the New England Highway to a four lane divided highway between Belford and the Golden Highway which is the final section of the route between Newcastle and the Golden Highway to be upgraded.
“A new flyover is also proposed for motorists travelling to Maitland and Newcastle from the Golden Highway which would improve road safety and increase freight transport efficiency.
“The New England and Golden Highways are used extensively by heavy vehicles accessing the port of Newcastle for coal mining, grain production and other important freight industries, not only for our Upper Hunter Electorate, but also the wider Valley and the Central West,” said Mr. Johnsen.
Roads and Maritime Services will invite the community to have a say on the concept design and environmental assessment, which are scheduled to be displayed late next year.