Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Shortland and Sandgate
The NSW Government is constructing a four-lane divided carriageway extension of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass for 1.8 km between Shortland and Sandgate. Reed Constructions was awarded the main contract in late February 2011.
The project is being built in stages. Early works to relocate water mains, construct a strong soil foundation near the Hunter Wetlands and realign Deepbridge Creek were completed by John Holland Pty Ltd in March 2011.
This extension will pass underneath Sandgate Road at Shortland, bridge over Deepbridge Creek and the main northern railway line, run past the western side of Sandgate Cemetery and join the Pacific Highway at Sandgate.
This extension of the existing Jesmond section will provide improved access between the developing western parts of Newcastle, regional produce markets and the Port of Newcastle.
The 2006 design was modified to remove the southbound exit from the inner city bypass onto Sandgate Road because it was not practicable at the proposed location, Motorists still wishing to access Sandgate Road and Jesmond from the Pacific Highway will still be able to continue to use the existing route via the Pacific Highway and Wallsend Road intersection.
The upgrade route passes through areas known to support a population of the Commonwealth and State listed species, the Green and Golden Bell Frog.
What has happened so far?
- Installing frog exclusion fencing to minimise road mortality and guide frogs into adjoining suitable habitat.
- Construction all five bridges on the project are underway.
- Advancing the Sandgate Road Bridge over the bypass and piling of the bridge foundations.
- The two central concrete bridge piers and abutment headstocks have been completed.
- Driving of the steel foundation piles for the twin Deepbridge Creek bridges.
- Piling of the two abutment foundations of the twin bridges over the Main Northern Railway.
- Pouring the Sandgate Road bridge deck.
Environmental management
A review of environmental factors was prepared to identify a comprehensive range of measures to minimise potential environmental effects during and after construction. These include:
- Managing dust, water quality and construction traffic.
- Minimising adverse effects on heritage and flora and fauna.
- Addressing issues of local amenity, such as visual character, air and noise.
The review of environmental factors for the proposal was displayed for community comment in June 2006 and the project was determined in September 2009.
