There will be changed traffic conditions on Maitland Road, including temporary reduced speed limits and changes for OSOM vehicles, as work is carried out for the Hexham Straight Widening project.
The Australian and NSW governments are investing in the upgrade and development of the section of the Pacific Highway (Maitland Road) known as Hexham Straight between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has advised that the latest changes come into play from this Sunday, with work carried out overnight from 7pm to 5am.
During night work from Sunday May 18 to Tuesday May 20, there will be a contraflow for inbound and outbound traffic on Maitland Road from Sandgate Cemetery to north of Old Maitland Road in Sandgate to allow road surfacing work to proceed.
Overnight on Wednesday, May 21, there will be contraflow for inbound traffic only in the same area to allow road surfacing work to proceed.
Access to and from Maitland Road via the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will be closed during overnight work.
Vehicles travelling southbound on Maitland Road will detour via Sandgate Road, 800m to the south. Vehicles travelling northbound from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will exit onto Sandgate Road to Maitland Road.
Prior to night work on Sunday May 18 to Wednesday May 21, over size over mass (OSOM) operations with a ground contact wider than 3.4m or with overall width greater than 4.5m are advised to contact the project team at least one day ahead of movement on 1800 515 141.
All restricted access vehicles (including OSOM) under permit and SPV Level 6 and Level 4 and 12t axle who are unable to use the Sandgate Road detour will be permitted through site if they call ahead. TfNSW advises that there will significant delays if advance contact is not made.
“OSOM operators are advised the project operates on UHF channel 45. Please note: vehicles travelling under a permit must not travel off the approved route listed in the permit, unless an updated permit is obtained from the NHVR,” said TfNSW.
“A temporary speed limit of 60km/h will remain in place through the project work zone during ongoing day work, with a reduction to 40km/h during night work.
“Motorists are advised to follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers, use alternative routes where possible or allow up to 15 minutes’ extra travel time.