New Traffic Changes at Jesmond Interchange Due to Weather Delays

18 March 2025

newy.com.au – Motorists travelling through Newcastle Road at the Jesmond Interchange should prepare for ongoing overnight traffic changes due to weather-related delays affecting construction work.

The adjustments are part of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass project, aiming to open permanent right-turn lanes for westbound motorists on Newcastle Road heading towards University Drive. As of Tuesday, 25 March 2025, vehicles travelling westbound will turn right at a new signalised intersection before the bridge, moving under the third span to access the bypass’s northbound lanes.

Originally scheduled to progress uninterrupted, work commenced on Sunday, 2 March, but has been delayed by recent heavy rain. Construction will continue at night from 7pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday, until Monday, 24 March, weather permitting. During this period, intermittent single-lane closures will be in place on both Newcastle Road’s westbound lanes and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

Further disruptions include the closure of eastbound lanes for up to five nights, spanning Tuesday, 18 March, to Thursday, 20 March, and again on Sunday, 23 March, and Monday, 24 March, between 7pm and 5am. During these closures, detours of up to 2.5 kilometres will be in effect. Eastbound motorists will be rerouted north via the bypass slip lane to U-turn at the University Drive roundabout, while westbound motorists seeking access to the bypass will need to travel further west to U-turn at the Thomas Street roundabout in Wallsend. These detours may add up to 10 minutes to travel times.

Traffic control measures, reduced speed limits, and signage will be in place to ensure the safety of workers and motorists. B-doubles and wide-load vehicles (up to 4.5 metres wide and under 5.9 metres in height) can still pass through the intersection. However, Oversize Over Mass (OSOM) vehicles with a ground contact wider than 3.2 metres or exceeding 4.5 metres in overall width must notify the project team at least a day in advance by calling 1800 818 433 to avoid significant delays. OSOM operators should also note that the project operates on UHF channel 57 at Jesmond Interchange.

Motorists are urged to follow traffic signage and drive cautiously through the affected area. Transport for NSW appreciates the public’s patience during these necessary works.

For real-time updates, visit Live Traffic NSW or download the Live Traffic NSW app.