Newcastle Inner City Bypass fully connected between Rankin Park and Jesmond

newy.com.au – The Newcastle Inner City Bypass has been fully connected between Rankin Park and Jesmond for the first time, marking a major milestone in the long-running project but still leaving final works to be completed before traffic can use the route.

The fifth and final section of the bypass is backed by a $488.2 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor governments, including $390.6 million from the Commonwealth and $97.6 million from New South Wales.

When complete, the project is expected to allow motorists travelling through Newcastle to bypass up to 11 sets of traffic lights, with peak-period travel times on the new north-south section forecast to be more than halved.

The bypass is also expected to remove up to 30,000 vehicles a day from Newcastle Road, which currently carries about 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles daily, as well as Croudace Street and Lookout Road. The government says that will ease pressure on local roads and improve travel times across the broader network.

Crews have completed all major bridges and connected the main bypass alignment, allowing work to continue on road surfacing, safety barriers and noise walls. Remaining work includes finishing the northern interchange ramps, final road surfacing, shared user path connections, traffic systems and landscaping.

The Rankin Park to Jesmond section is expected to open to traffic before the end of 2026, weather permitting.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the project would deliver long-term benefits for Newcastle.

“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,” Ms King said.

“By delivering this vital missing link, we are slashing congestion, significantly improving safety, and keeping Newcastle moving.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the connection was a significant moment for the region.

“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,” Ms Catley said.

“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 Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the project had involved complex construction at one of the Hunter’s busiest intersections while traffic continued to move through the area.

“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,” Ms Aitchison said.

The bypass is also expected to strengthen connections to destinations including Bennetts Green, Charlestown and Jesmond shopping centres, the University of Newcastle, the Pacific Highway and the John Hunter Hospital precinct.