Short overnight closures as gantry removed on New England Highway at Tarro on Monday and Tuesday

newy.com.au – Motorists using the New England Highway/Maitland Road at Tarro are being warned of changed overnight traffic conditions on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 November while an overhead sign gantry is removed.

Transport for NSW says the works will run across two nights to minimise disruption, but there will still be lane closures, traffic control and a full closure of both carriageways for a short period each night.

Work is scheduled between 7pm and 4am on both nights, weather permitting, as crews remove the overhead gantry from above the highway. The timing is designed to avoid the busiest periods on the route while still providing enough time for the lift and associated safety checks.

During the shift, traffic control and lane closures will be in place and motorists will be moved through the work zone using alternating stop/slow arrangements. A temporary speed limit of 40km/h will apply through the site for the safety of workers and road users.

Transport for NSW says a complete closure of both carriageways will be required for about 20 minutes at midnight on each work night during the actual lifting of the gantry. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead in case they encounter the short closure or need a little extra time for their trip.

“Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control,” Transport for NSW said in a statement. The agency said the traffic arrangements were necessary to safely manage vehicles through the area while heavy machinery is operating.

Over Size Over Mass operators travelling through Tarro are being asked to contact the project team on UHF channel 44 so they can be escorted through the work site when it is safe to do so. This is intended to help manage larger vehicles around lane closures and the temporary speed zone.

Transport for NSW has encouraged drivers to stay up to date by checking Live Traffic NSW before they travel. More information is available via the Live Traffic website, the Live Traffic NSW app or by calling 132 701, and users can “follow” the Tarro incident in the app to receive updates direct to their phone.

“Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time,” the agency said.