Truckies are advised that traffic restrictions over the Tarro Rail Bridge will remain in place for at least four more weeks in order to carry out essential repair work.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) director north region Anna Zycki said the “unexpected and urgent step” of closing lanes on the Tarro Rail Bridge in Newcastle was taken as a safety measure for all road users.
“A plan to undertake the repair work in the safest and quickest possible time frame is being prepared by specialist bridge engineers,” Zycki said.
“Currently, there is one lane closed in each direction on the New England Highway at the Tarro Road over-rail bridge and the speed limit is reduced to 60km/h.
“The bridge is also closed to Class 1 and any vehicles that weigh 69 tonnes and over. We are also encouraging other heavy vehicle operators to take alternate routes wherever possible and relieve pressure on the area as well as avoid delays.”
Zycki said the aim is to have the work finished in at least four weeks, but warns that it could take longer in the event of “unforseen challenges”, such as bad weather.
“We recognise and apologise for the timing of these restrictions, however the safety of all road users is our number one priority.
“We are encouraging everyone who use the route to allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes, or to take public transport whenever possible to avoid being held up.”
Zycki said this timeframe gives the freight industry and others who rely on this crossing planning certainty so they can make appropriate arrangements while these restrictions are in place.
“We acknowledge the restrictions are causing significant delays during some times of the day,” Zycki said.
“We are finalising the design and work schedules and are working through the issues to get workers onto the bridge safely while keeping vital road and rail services operating as best as possible.
“We again apologise for the inconvenience the lane restrictions are causing, and thank road users and the local community for their patience as we do everything we can to ensure everyone completes their journeys safely.”
TfNSW also advises that there is no detour for heavy vehicles greater than 5.2 metres in height and/or wider than 7.5 metres and/or greater than 35 metres in length.
For all other restricted heavy vehicles, the detour arrangements are via Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Newcastle Link Road.