NSW truck drivers are being urged to plan their journeys well in advance this weekend (August 3-6), as maintenance work is being carried out on Tarro Bridge on the New England Highway.
Truckies can expect access changes and lane closures, with congestion and delays likely on the highway.
Partial road closures will be in place from 3am on Saturday 3 August to 5am on Tuesday 6 August, weather permitting.
Lane closures and changes include:
• From 3am on Saturday 3 August to 9am Sunday 4 August, a slow lane closure will be placed in both directions with speed reduction.
• From 10am Sunday 4 August to 3am Tuesday 6 August, the slow lanes will be reopened and the fast lane closed in each direction with speed reduction.
• All lanes will be reopened to all traffic from 5am on Tuesday 6 August.
During this period, over Size Over Mass vehicles with width of less than 3.5 metres and a weight under 69 tonnes will be able to use the bridge.
Heavy vehicles with a width of more than 3.5 m or weight of more than 69 tonnes will not be permitted on the bridge and will have to detour via Maitland Road, Newcastle Inner City Bypass, Newcastle Road and Hunter Expressway, pending permit approval.
For more information on this, see the NHVR website.
The work on the road over rail bridge at Tarro will deliver long-term repairs to the bridge pylons and southern abutment, which Transport for NSW says will help the preservation and resilience of the road over rail bridge.
The work has been scheduled to coincide with a three-day closure of the rail corridor for track maintenance work from August 3 to 6.
Transport for NSW regional director North Anna Zycki said drivers are being encouraged to plan their journeys, with commuters asked to work from home if they can, to minimise congestion.
“Tarro Bridge is a critical link for motorists, freight operators and businesses which is why carrying out this maintenance work is so important,” Zycki said.
“We know the New England Highway is a busy route, so we are encouraging commuters to work from home on Monday 5 August, if possible.
“Those who are unable to do so are encouraged to consider an alternate route where possible and allow extra travel time.
“Over the weekend and on Monday, buses will replace trains for regular rail commuters, but this means there will be extra pressure on the road network. “
Work is also scheduled for the weekend of 3 and 4 August at three other bridges in the Greater Newcastle region – Sandgate Rail Bridge, Industrial Drive Rail Bridge and Kooragang Bridge.
“The impacts of these other works are minor, but we are encouraging motorists and commuters to plan their journeys and expect short delays as the surrounding road network will be busier than usual,” Zycki continued.
“A big thank you to the community for its patience and understanding as we carry out this important work.
“The safety of motorists and the community is our top priority.”