Massive $1.7 Billion Overhaul Announced for Hunter Roads

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Vital routes in the Hunter are set to be upgraded as part of a $1.7 billion investment from the NSW Government's Regional Corridors Upgrade Program.

A joint effort between state and federal governments, the program aims to improve safety and efficiency across three corridors -- Newcastle to Dubbo, Muswellbrook to Armidale, and Euston to Tocumwal.

Much of the work will occur in the Hunter, with the Golden Highway, Hunter Expressway, and New England Highway major focuses for the project

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the state government has identified these routes as vital arteries for agricultural and industrial commerce.

"The key point about a lot of these roads is that they are east-west freight corridors, particularly the Golden Highway that goes from Newcastle right through to Dubbo," she said.

"Now these roads are doing the heavy lifting of getting produce from our state's farms and mines and other industrial centres into the ports at Newcastle and Melbourne, and right across this country."

Included in the upgrades are wider road shoulders and intersections, alongside new turning and overtaking lanes.

Intelligent transport systems will be introduced, such as digital signage in an effort to create a comprehensive motorist information and monitoring network. 

Additionally new rest stops and heavy vehicle facilities have been promised, intended to support the state's expanding network of freight operators.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has promised the rapid completion of the projects, using the finishing of the M1 upgrades ahead of schedule as proof of his government's efficacy.

"This is not a 'nice to have', it's a must have in terms of road infrastructure," he said.

"We expect all of these major road projects to be completed inside the next four years, producing a lot of employment, a lot of economic growth, and even apprentices that'll come onto the project."

Initial work on improvements between Newcastle and Dubbo has already begun, with work on the other routes expected to start in the near future.

Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley, Premier Chris Minns, and Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison. Picture: Ian Crouch

Investigations Continue Into Fatal Crash At Jerrys Plains

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are still to confirm the identity of a person who has died in a firey crash at Jerrys Plains.

Police say a car crashed off the Golden Highway near Lemington Drive about 40 kiloemetres west of Singleton at about 6.40pm on Sunday.

The car crashed into trees and caught on fire.

Rural Fire Service crews extinguished the blaze and found a body inside the car.

Police established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Anyone with information which can assist investigators is urged to contact  Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE! Emergency Services Called To Bad Crash At Jerrys Plains

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has airlifted a 53-year-old man to the John Hunter Hospital after a bad crash at Jerrys Plains.

Two cars collided at the intersection of the Golden Highway and Lemington Road at 5.40am on Wednesday, with the man trapped by confinement in his car.

NSW Ambulance says he's been freed and airlifted to hospital in a stable condition suffering neck pain and a lower leg injury.

The driver of the other car managed to climb out of the wreckage and asked to be transported to Singleton Hospital for a check-up.


EARLIER:

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been called to a serious crash at Jerrys Plains.

Two cars collided at the intersection of the Golden Highway and Lemington Road at about 5.40am on Wednesday.

It's understood at least 1 person was trapped in the wreckage.

A contra flow has been set up using one lane of the Golden Highway for traffic to get past the scene.

Breaking! Emergency Services Called To Truck Crash Near Merriwa

BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to reports of a truck crash in the Upper Hunter.

First reports say a B-Double ran off the Golden Highway about 5 to 10 kilometres south of Merriwa just before 5.00am on Tuesday.

It appears the semi may have swerved off the road before ending up sideways across the highway.

Police say the semi is leaking fuel and the highway is blocked in both directions.

Firefighters have arrived at the scene and have requested an ambulance for the truck driver who they say appears to have suffered minor injuries.