NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY – TENTERFIELD BYPASS

The New England Highway is the major link from the Hunter Region to the New England area and beyond.  The highway is also a major route for heavy transport from Sydney to Brisbane and provides an alternative route to the Pacific Highway.

This National Highway project is fully funded by the Federal Government.

THE PROJECT

The Australian Government committed up to $6 million in the 2011/12 Federal Budget from the existing Nation Building Program towards planning work on two specific projects on the New England Highway, the Tenterfield Bypass and safety upgrades at Bolivia Hill.  The feasibility study at Tenterfield is expected to investigate and design the preferred route for a bypass of the township.

Investigations would need to include extensive community consultation with local residents, council, and key stakeholders.

Initial investigations would also need to:

• Assess previous studies undertaken.
• Confirm the benefits of a bypass of Tenterfield.
• Undertake extensive community consultation.
• Undertake environmental and heritage assessments.
• Develop corridor options.
• Finalise a preferred option.

BACKGROUND

Tenterfield is located on the Great Dividing Range at the northern end of the New England Tableland and at the intersection of the New England and Bruxner highways. 

The existing New England Highway runs through the main street of Tenterfield and experiences common traffic and safety problems associated with main street commercial areas.  The highway is the main street of Tenterfield.  There is mixed use by local, regional, and long distance traffic.

MORE INFORMATION

For further information please contact the Regional Communications Manager, Sonia George on (02) 6640 1300 or email  Grafton_Regional_Office@rta.nsw.gov.au