Karuah Bypass

The Karuah Bypass is a 9.8 km dual carriageway upgrade of the Pacific Highway north of Newcastle. The upgrade connects to the completed Raymond Terrace Bypass and to the Raymond Terrace to Karuah upgrade. In February 2002, the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) awarded Thiess Pty Ltd the contract for the design, construction and 10-year maintenance of the $123 million project. The project was officially opened to traffic on the 19 September 2004.

Key features of the upgrade include:

A total of 11 bridges with a 200m incrementally launched bridge over the wetland to Horse Island and a 600m bridge from Horse Island over the Karuah River.
12 kilometres of guardrail and wire rope safety fencing.
24 drainage culverts.
5 dedicated and 11 non-dedicated box shaped fauna underpasses.
25 kilometres of fauna and rural fencing.

Files

Economic and Social Impacts One Year Report

As part of the Conditions of Approval for the Karuah bypass project, the RTA is working with the township of Karuah on a number of strategies to mitigate the economic effects of the completed bypass on the community.

Information releases

Progress update advertisements, traffic change notices, community newsletters, brochure, community liaison group meeting minutes and monthly reports

Photo gallery

The following photos show various aspects of the project.