newy.com.au – Transport for NSW has warned of long weekend traffic delays around Newcastle and Port Stephens as crowds heading to the Koori Knockout and NRL grand final events add to school holiday traffic.
About 10,000 people a day are expected at the four day Koori Knockout, which starts on Friday 2 October at Kings Park Sports Complex in Raymond Terrace. The Aboriginal rugby league and cultural event is expected to cause delays on the M1 Pacific Motorway approaching the Richardson Road exit and on roads around the venue.
Drivers heading south on the M1 to the knockout are advised to consider using the Tomago Road interchange. Those travelling from Newcastle should exit the Pacific Highway via Adelaide Street. Further event traffic information is available on Live Traffic NSW.
In Newcastle, about 20,000 fans are expected at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 4 October to watch the NRL grand final on big screens. Gates open at 3.30pm.
Transport for NSW is urging people attending the live site to use public transport where possible or allow extra driving time. It has provided travel information for the stadium live site.
Shuttles will run to and from the live site, light rail services will operate every 10 minutes from 4pm until midnight, and ferry services will be extended until midnight. The extra services will supplement regular Sunday operations. Passengers can plan their journeys through Newcastle Transport.
For fans travelling to the grand final itself in Sydney, planned Sunday trackwork has been rescheduled. Sydney Trains will run a normal weekend timetable on the Central Coast and Newcastle line, and additional services will operate across the network to help passengers reach and return from the match.
McDonald Jones Stadium will also host a post grand final event from 1pm on Monday 5 October. Transport for NSW expects a large crowd and is advising motorists travelling around the stadium to allow extra time.
