IT HAS been planned since the 1950s and former premier Mike Baird once said construction would start before 2017, but long-suffering motorists can now finally see the missing link of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass is going to be delivered.
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Early work on the bypass' fifth and final stage has advanced in New Lambton Heights, where nine houses have been knocked down and land which will eventually make up part of the McCaffrey Drive interchange has been cleared.
The levelled site is a beacon of hope for those who use the notoriously congested Lookout and Newcastle roads in peak periods.
The future 3.4-kilometre bypass road, between Rankin Park and Jesmond, will allow motorists to avoid 11 sets of traffic lights and save about 12 minutes in travel time.
But despite the signs of progress, it will be years before anyone can take advantage of the shortcut.
Construction was initially slated to start in 2017. Mike Baird actually labelled that timetable ''conservative'' when announcing funding in 2014 and said he would push to begin sooner.
While the delay can be attributed to planning setbacks and the state government's pursuit of other major infrastructure projects, the bypass received a $360 million federal funding boost last year.
However, the state is yet to award a contract for what is expected to be a $450 million project.
"Early talks have begun with the construction industry and local businesses to help build the Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond, which will be one of Newcastle's biggest transport infrastructure projects," a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
"Registrations of interest from pre-qualified, major construction companies for the main work are currently being assessed. A contract for construction is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.
"Construction of the project is expected to start in 2022 and it is scheduled to open to traffic in 2025."
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said it was "great to see progress" and she looked forward to further site preparation works in the area.
But she implored the government, once a contract for the project is awarded, to inform the community about how the surrounding road network will be affected during the major works.
"I look forward to seeing detailed [construction] plans and any potential impacts that this might have on traffic along McCaffrey Drive and Lookout Road," she said.
"Staff at the john Hunter Hospital are already experiencing extensive delays, sometime well in excess of an hour and if there is any further impact on the traffic movements along Lookout Road this will only add to the pain they face on a daily basis."
Quickway Constructions Pty Limited has won the contract for the next stage of early works in New Lambton Heights, which includes the relocation of existing utilities - water, sewer, electrical, gas and telecommunications.
"This will deliver up to 40 jobs to Newcastle and will also support local suppliers and contractors during this part of the project," Transport Minister Andrew Constance said.
The work is expected to commence in coming months.
