In Depth

Tree Collapse Causes Major Traffic Disruptions in Hamilton

today29 July 2024

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Hamilton, Newcastle – A large tree fell on Donald Street, near Eva Street, in Hamilton at approximately 12:20 pm today, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The incident blocked the westbound lane entirely, while one eastbound lane was initially closed.

Donald Street is a key state arterial road and is a part of the A15/M15 route connecting the Newcastle CBD with Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Newcastle’s western suburbs and NSW’s North West including places such as Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone, Tamworth Armidale and in to QLD’s central west. The blockage caused by the fallen tree led to major delays, affecting commuters and freight transport in the region.

Emergency responders from Transport for NSW and the police were the first on the scene. Initially, they turned eastbound traffic around before setting up a diversion. Drivers were redirected left into Lawson Street, and eastbound traffic was intermittently stopped to allow westbound vehicles to turn around safely.

Newcastle Council took over the site from the emergency services, arriving with chainsaws and mulchers. Council workers carefully cut up the tree and fed the debris into a mulcher to clear the obstruction.

The incident caused heavy traffic congestion in nearby back streets, as well as on Beaumont Street, where drivers attempted to re-enter Donald Street heading westbound. The road was eventually reopened around 2:20 pm, restoring normal traffic flow.

This incident follows a series of recent tree-related disruptions in the Newcastle area, highlighting the ongoing issues with ageing trees in the region. Last week, a similar situation occurred on Lambton Road, where a fallen tree caused delays. Authorities are urging residents and drivers to exercise caution during inclement weather and report any concerns about potentially dangerous trees to the council.

Fallen tree in Hamilton by BJPHS
Fallen tree in Hamilton by BJPHS
Fallen tree in Hamilton by Newy 87.8
Fallen tree in Hamilton by Tobias Hudson

 

Screenshot of the traffic alert.

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.