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today15 November 2024
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.
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.
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.
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:
Specific Traffic Conditions and Advice
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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