Singleton Bypass—Connecting Country through Infrastructure
At 8km in length, the Singleton Bypass is one of the largest infrastructure investments in the town’s history.
The project reroutes traffic from the New England Highway around Singleton’s CBD, removing five sets of traffic lights and significantly improving road safety, freight efficiency and the commuter experience across the Upper Hunter region.
Embedding First Nations Knowledge into Complex Infrastructure Design
We facilitated engagement with Wonnarua/Wanaruah knowledge holders, building on earlier Cultural Interpretation Framework work and carrying this forward into detailed design.
The process was iterative and collaborative, involving workshops with artist Saretta Fielding, designers and engineers, followed by consultation with Elders and community representatives for feedback and endorsement. A key focus was translating cultural narratives into elements that could be read at speed and scale, while remaining respectful, legible and buildable.
The resulting works embed Country into the experience of movement through the landscape:
Artwork integrated into 3m-high acrylic screens along sections of the 3.5km viaduct, evoking wetland ecologies and native flora
Routed patterns along 1.6km of noise walls, interpreting the Mayan (Hunter River)
Steel plate designs applied to bridge safety screens, referencing surrounding landforms and marking arrival and departure points
Integration of native and endemic planting, including bush tucker species, within the landscape strategy
These elements collectively express Country as a continuous presence along the corridor, rather than as isolated moments.
Safer Infrastructure,
Stronger Cultural Connection
The Singleton Bypass delivers a safer, more efficient transport corridor while embedding First Nations knowledge into the experience of movement through Country.
By diverting heavy freight from the town centre, the project significantly improves road safety, reduces congestion and enhances amenity for the Singleton community. At the same time, the integration of cultural narratives, developed through collaboration with Wonnarua/Wanaruah knowledge holders, ensures the infrastructure is grounded in place.
Together, these outcomes demonstrate how major infrastructure can move beyond performance alone, supporting community, respecting Country and strengthening the relationship between people and place.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
Acciona
Aurecon
Saretta Art & Design