Community invited to comment on proposed City Road intersection changes in Merewether

newy.com.au – Transport for NSW is calling for community feedback on proposed changes to the City Road intersection with Alice and Hugh streets in Merewether, aimed at reducing peak-hour congestion on the Pacific Highway through Newcastle.

The NSW Government says it is investing $5.8 million in safety and traffic efficiency improvements centred on the City Road and Alice Street junction, after community concerns and Transport for NSW analysis identified the area for upgrades.

Transport for NSW said the Pacific Highway is the main connection between Charlestown and the Newcastle CBD and carries more than 25,000 vehicles a day, with up to seven per cent of traffic made up of trucks and other heavy vehicles.

Known locally as City Road, the route is frequently congested during peak periods, with motorists turning right into Alice or Hugh streets often waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic and blocking a lane, creating queues for through traffic.

Under the proposal, right turns from City Road into Alice Street and Hugh Street would be prohibited on weekdays during peak periods between 7am and 9am and 3.30pm and 6pm. Transport for NSW also proposes widening Alice Street to provide two approach lanes to City Road, installing signalised pedestrian crossings on the south and west of the intersection, and building a footpath link on the western side of Alice Street from City Road to Wilton Street.

Motorists would be directed to use alternative routes such as the Scenic Drive and Glebe Road intersections during peak periods, while additional changes are proposed nearby to manage traffic flow, including left-out only at William Street and left-in only at Allworth Street (southern section).

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the state was focused on keeping traffic moving, pointing to “major projects like the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass”, and added: “We need to ensure we get Novocastrians to work, school and local businesses safely by making changes to reduce the risk of crashes, especially during peak periods.”

NSW Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said congestion through Merewether had been affecting locals “for some time” and urged residents to review the proposal before responding, saying: “Better traffic flow on City Road depends on those who know the route having a say.”

Transport for NSW will carry out traffic monitoring between Monday 16 February and Monday 23 February 2026 on City Road between Scenic Drive and Alice Street, while construction timing has not been confirmed. Feedback is open until Sunday 22 February 2026 through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say consultation, with the project team contactable via hunterprojects@transport.nsw.gov.au
or 1800 817 133.