newy.com.au – Newcastle drivers are being reminded of new traffic arrangements as major road and rail projects continue across the region. These ongoing infrastructure upgrades, led by Transport for NSW, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), and Hunter Water, bring frequent changes to traffic flow, lane closures, speed restrictions, and detours. Here’s a refresher and the latest updates for Newcastle motorists navigating these crucial improvements.

Newcastle Inner City Bypass Work: Rankin Park to Jesmond Construction Updates

The Newcastle Inner City Bypass construction between Rankin Park and Jesmond is progressing, with the current focus on road and bridge construction, drainage installation, and utilities relocation. Night work will continue Sunday to Thursday, with temporary lane closures and traffic control to minimise disruption. Day work will also continue from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. This section of the project includes traffic control modifications at the Jesmond interchange, with drivers urged to stay alert to changing conditions as the work nears key milestones.

Emergency Sewer Repairs on Donald Street, Hamilton

An urgent sewer repair on Donald Street (A15) in Hamilton has temporarily closed the road, adding another layer of disruption for local drivers. The emergency work, led by Hunter Water, is expected to last until the 23rd, with alternative routes in place. This critical repair will help secure reliable sewer services in the area. Motorists are advised to allow extra time and avoid the affected section of Donald Street where possible.

Hexham Straight Widening Project: Latest Maitland Road Adjustments

newy.com.au – Motorists using Maitland Road between Hexham and Sandgate should prepare for continued traffic disruptions as the Hexham Straight Widening Project progresses through 2024. The extensive upgrade, which began on 1 May 2023 and is expected to conclude by 31 December 2024, is designed to ease congestion and improve road safety on one of Newcastle’s busiest transport corridors. Here’s what drivers need to know about the ongoing impacts and the latest traffic arrangements.

Hexham Straight Widening Project: Key Traffic Impacts

The Hexham Straight Widening Project, spanning Maitland Road between the Pacific Highway and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, involves significant changes to traffic flow both day and night. Currently, construction work is scheduled as follows:

• Night Work (Sunday to Thursday): From Sunday through Thursday, road crews will work between 7 pm and 5 am, with both inbound and outbound traffic affected. Nightly contraflow arrangements are in place to facilitate construction, and traffic signals along Maitland Road will be “blacked out,” meaning they are deactivated and controlled by on-site traffic controllers. Motorists are urged to follow directions, obey posted signs, and remain patient, as lane restrictions and reduced speeds can create delays.
• Day Work (Monday to Friday): During the week, roadwork also impacts traffic flow from 7 am to 6 pm. Reduced speed limits and lane restrictions remain in effect, with work zones set up to accommodate both directions of travel. Motorists should plan for additional travel time during peak hours, as delays are likely.
• Weekend Work: Saturday work runs from 8 am to 1 pm, impacting both directions. Though limited to Saturday mornings, this can still create delays, especially for weekend travellers.

Specific Traffic Conditions and Advice

• Speed Reductions: Through the project work zone, a reduced speed limit of 60 km/h will apply during the day, dropping to 40 km/h during night operations.
• Oversize and Overmass Vehicles: Vehicles operating under permit with a ground contact width over 3.2m or an overall width greater than 4.5m are advised to contact the project team at least one day before travelling through the Hexham Straight. Failing to arrange prior movement could result in significant delays.
• UHF Channels for Oversize Operators: For drivers of overmass or oversize vehicles, UHF channel 26 is in use around the Hexham Bridge, with UHF channel 45 applicable for other areas along the project zone. Permit vehicles must adhere strictly to their approved routes unless an updated permit is obtained.

Upcoming Nightly Traffic Changes: 17 to 20 November 2024

As part of the widening work, the following temporary arrangements will be in place for all traffic on Maitland Road between Old Maitland Road, Sandgate, and Shamrock Street, Hexham:

• Sunday, 17 November: Contraflow arrangements will affect both inbound and outbound traffic on Maitland Road between Old Maitland Road and Shamrock Street, requiring motorists to follow the direction of traffic controllers.
• Monday, 18 November: Traffic control will be positioned around Maitland Road at Shamrock Street, with traffic signals blacked out and managed manually to ensure a smooth flow through the construction zone.
• Tuesday, 19 November: Another contraflow setup will impact traffic between Old Maitland Road, Sandgate, and north of Sparke Street, with traffic controllers directing vehicles in both directions.
• Wednesday, 20 November: Contraflow arrangements will affect Maitland Road between north of Shamrock Street and Old Maitland Road, Sandgate, with traffic control measures again in place.

Advice for Motorists

Transport for NSW advises drivers to factor in an additional 15 minutes of travel time, particularly during peak periods or when travelling overnight. Signage and traffic controllers are in place to guide motorists through these sections safely, and drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible to avoid delays.

Staying Updated on Traffic Conditions

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about real-time conditions by using the Live Traffic NSW app, where updates on closures, detours, and speed limits are available. These extensive upgrades, while creating temporary challenges, aim to deliver long-term benefits, improving traffic flow and safety along one of Newcastle’s critical transport corridors.

New England Highway Ramp Closures for M1 Extension Work

newy.com.au – Newcastle and Hunter Region motorists are advised to prepare for temporary overnight closures and traffic changes along the New England Highway at Tarro as part of ongoing construction for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. The latest phase of this extensive project will bring detours, lane closures, and speed reductions to several key segments of the highway and surrounding roads. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Monday, 18 November to Friday, 22 November 2024.

Scheduled Closures and Detours:

To minimise daytime disruptions, major work will occur from 7 pm to 5 am at several key locations:

1. New England Highway Eastbound Off-Ramp to Anderson Drive
   • Closure Dates: Monday 18, Tuesday 19, and Thursday 21 November
   • Impact: The eastbound off-ramp from the New England Highway to Anderson Drive will be closed. Motorists needing to access Anderson Drive will be detoured via the New England Highway/Maitland Road, allowing for continued access while work is underway. This schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
2. John Renshaw Drive Slip Lane (Westbound from New England Highway)
   • Closure Dates: Monday 18, Tuesday 19, and Thursday 21 November
   • Impact: The westbound slip lane from New England Highway to John Renshaw Drive will be closed. A detour is available via Weakleys Drive, directing traffic onto John Renshaw Drive and the M1 Motorway. Due to the detour’s constraints, it is unsuitable for vehicles operating under specific Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) levels, including SPV Level 6, SPV Level 4, and 12t/axle networks. Oversize and overmass vehicles and special-purpose vehicles will be escorted through this closure to ensure safety and traffic flow.
3. Tomago Road at Pacific Highway Intersection
   • Closure Dates: Monday 18, Tuesday 19, and Thursday 21 November
   • Impact: Tomago Road will be closed at the Pacific Highway intersection to allow for the installation of new traffic signals. Motorists needing to access Tomago Road from the Pacific Highway will be detoured via Old Punt Road. This alternate route ensures that traffic can still reach Tomago Road during the temporary closure.

Requirements for Oversize and Overmass Vehicles

Operators of oversize and overmass vehicles, particularly those with a ground contact wider than 3.2 metres or an overall width over 4.5 metres, must contact the project team on 0423 323 946 at least 24 hours in advance of any planned travel through the affected areas. Significant delays are expected for these operators if contact is not made, as permits and special arrangements may be necessary to ensure safe passage through the work zones. Additionally, vehicles travelling under a permit must adhere to approved routes; deviations require an updated permit from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to avoid penalties.

Extended Night and Day Work Across Project Zone

Aside from the specific closures, the construction team will conduct additional lane closures and intermittent stoppages from Monday, 18 November to Friday, 22 November 2024, at the following times and locations:

• Night Work (7 pm to 5 am):
  • M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and Black Hill
  • John Renshaw Drive at Beresfield
  • New England Highway at Tarro
  • Pacific Highway at Tomago and Heatherbrae
  • Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
• Day Work (7 am to 5 pm):
  • Lenaghans Drive at Black Hill
  • Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
  • New England Highway Eastbound at Tarro

During these times, traffic controllers and signage will direct motorists through the work zones. Temporary speed reductions to 40 km/h will be enforced to protect both road users and construction crews working on-site.

Important Reminders for Motorists

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, especially during peak commuting hours, to account for detours, lane changes, and slower traffic through the affected areas. Transport for NSW recommends using alternate routes where possible to minimise delays and to keep up to date with the latest traffic conditions through the Live Traffic NSW app or website. Real-time updates are also available by calling the Live Traffic NSW hotline on 132 701.

These traffic changes are part of the larger M1 Pacific Motorway extension project to Raymond Terrace, an essential infrastructure upgrade designed to improve travel flow, safety, and connectivity across Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Transport for NSW extends its gratitude to the community for their patience as work progresses toward delivering this long-term improvement for the region.

Hunter Valley Railway Line: Scheduled 72-Hour Shutdown for Maintenance

The ARTC’s ongoing maintenance program for the Hunter Valley railway line will continue with a 72-hour shutdown affecting the network from Kooragang to Muswellbrook, extending west to Ulan and north to Narrabri. This shutdown begins at 6:30 am on Tuesday, 19 November and concludes at 6:30 am on Friday, 22 November. Over 800 scheduled maintenance activities, including track reconditioning, ballast cleaning, and signalling improvements, are part of this major project update. The final replacement of a critical rail crossover at Branxton will help support network reliability and flexibility. Affected NSW TrainLink routes will be served by replacement coaches. Motorists near level crossings are advised to be cautious, as rail machinery will be active along key routes.

Newcastle drivers should expect periodic changes and are encouraged to check real-time updates on the Live Traffic NSW app and website.

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