The full release follows:

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today announced a $73 million contract has been awarded to design and build the new transport interchange at Wickham for customers to connect with trains, buses and light rail.

In a boost for Wickham and Hamilton residents and businesses, the project will also include a brand-new fully accessible pedestrian bridge over the rail corridor near Railway Street.

“I’m really pleased to announce we’ve appointed Laing O’Rourke Construction Australia to undertake this important project for the Hunter,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“One of the key pieces of feedback we received during community consultation was around the look of the interchange. The contractor’s first job will be to improve the design of the interchange from the artist impression shared earlier this year.

“We want the people of Newcastle to get a transport interchange they can be proud of.

“We will continue to work with the community during the design and construction of the interchange, to get the best design and minimise impacts during construction.

“Truncation of the rail line, construction of a new transport interchange at Wickham and a new light rail network are all part of the government’s plans to completely revitalise Newcastle and reconnect the city centre with the waterfront.

“This contract includes the design and construction of the new modern and fully accessible interchange at Wickham, as well as new train stabling facilities near Hamilton Station.

“I know that pedestrian access to replace the Railway Street level crossing is something that local businesses and the community really want, so we have worked hard to ensure it can be delivered as part of the Wickham interchange project.”

Construction of the new transport interchange and stabling facilities is expected to be complete in late 2016. Light rail construction is expected to start in late 2015.

Meanwhile, early work continues in the rail corridor at Hamilton and Wickham to prepare for the truncation of the heavy rail line in one week, on 26 December.

* From Boxing Day until 4 January, all Hunter Line and Central Coast and Newcastle Line trains will terminate at Broadmeadow, with replacement buses connecting with every train to take customers to and from the Newcastle CBD.

* From 5 January, Hamilton Station becomes a temporary terminus for all trains to and from the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney while the new Wickham interchange is under construction.

Air-conditioned shuttle buses will meet every train, running as often as every 10 minutes in the peak, and all customers can expect to get a seat, with buses stopping at Wickham, Civic, Newcastle and Queens Wharf.

These interim services will be accessible for our less mobile customers and will include plenty of room for surfboards and luggage.

For more information about travel arrangements, visit http://www.transportnsw.info/