Traffic Changes for Maitland Road as Hexham Widening Project Progresses

Motorists travelling along Maitland Road, Hexham, should prepare for changes to traffic conditions as part of ongoing work on the Hexham Straight Widening project. The updates are set to help reduce congestion and improve overall traffic flow, with most of the works scheduled during off-peak hours to minimise disruptions.

New U-turn Facility Opens Sunday

A new U-turn facility on Maitland Road, located near Old Maitland Road, will be operational from Sunday, 13 October. This will allow vehicles travelling along Maitland Road to more easily access routes back towards Newcastle.

Contraflow Traffic Arrangement Starts Monday

Starting Monday, 14 October, contraflow traffic will be in place for both inbound and outbound lanes on Maitland Road, between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Ironbark Creek bridge. This means that traffic from both directions will share the same lane at times, with the aid of traffic controllers. Importantly, motorists will not be able to turn right into Old Maitland Road at Sandgate or the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Instead, a detour will be in place via Wallsend Road, adding approximately 800 metres to journeys. However, outbound traffic from Newcastle on Maitland Road will remain unaffected by this detour.

Traffic Signals and Safety Measures on Tuesday

On Tuesday, 15 October, traffic lights at the Maitland Road and Newcastle Inner City Bypass intersection will be turned off, with traffic controllers directing vehicles through the area. Additionally, the contraflow traffic system will be extended to cover the stretch between Shamrock Street and Old Maitland Road.

Access to Properties and Residential Lanes from Wednesday

From Wednesday, 16 October, access to properties along Maitland Road north of the service station to north of Clark Street will be via a temporary residential construction lane. A 20 km/h speed limit will be enforced through this section to ensure the safety of local residents and workers. These arrangements will remain in place until early 2025, as work continues on this key project.

Speed Reductions and Heavy Vehicle Advice

Throughout the project work zone, a temporary speed limit of 60 km/h will apply during the day, with a further reduction to 40 km/h during night work. Oversize and overmass vehicle operators are urged to contact the project team a day ahead of any planned movements to avoid significant delays.

Vehicles operating under permit must stick to their approved routes unless a new permit is issued by the National Heavy Vehicle Register.

Working Hours and Expected Delays

Major construction works are scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays, with some out-of-hours work occurring from 7 pm to 7 am Sunday through Thursday, and on Saturday mornings. Motorists are encouraged to allow up to 15 minutes of additional travel time or consider using alternative routes where possible.

Transport for NSW appreciates the public’s patience as these essential infrastructure upgrades continue, aiming to ease congestion and improve road safety in the region.

For live updates and detailed information, visit the Live Traffic NSW website or download the Live Traffic NSW app.