Work Underway to Widen the Hexham Straight and Extend the M1 Pacific Highway to Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Transport Minister joined a number of Hunter MPs in the region on Tuesday the 26th of July to announce work to widen the Hexham Straight is now underway. 

The project will see the dual carriageway along the the Pacific Highway between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge widened from two lanes to three in each direction. 

It will also involve the demolition of Ironbark Bridge to make way for two new bridges at Ironbark Creek. 

Catherine King said the move will reduce traffic here in the Hunter, and allow motorists to travel from Sydney to Brisbane without encountering any traffic lights. 

NSW Roads Minister John Graham also attended the announcement and says he expects thousands of jobs will be delivered for the Hunter over the course of the Hexham project, and the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway out to Raymond Terrace. 

He said the upgrade will deliver more reliable travel times for freight vehicles and commuters alike. 

"This is a notorious bottleneck; motorists have queued here over generations as the Pacific Highway has become smoother and smoother, but the run has often ended here in congestion. That will cease when these works are delivered." 

"It's great news for motorists right across NSW." 

The Hexham upgrade is expected to be completed by 2026, and the M1 extension should be finished by 2028.

( From Left to Right:) Kate Washington, John Graham, Dan Repacholi, Catherine King and Tim Crakanthorp

Funding Announced to Repair Hunter Roads

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Major new road funding has been announced for a number of areas in the Hunter. 

The Mayors of Singleton and Muswellbrook met with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway for the announcement this morning. 

$2.8 million has been allocated to fix the Allyn River Road in the Dungog Shire, and Victoria Street in Muswellbrook will be boosted by more than $700,000. 

Mr Farraway also announced $3 million will go towards repairing Hunter Road at Ellerston, and $1 million will be given to Singleton Council. 

"This is all about making sure we are repairing, not just filling-in potholes," he said. 

"We're doing heavy patching, and councils will have the support to repair those potholes and those roads that locals use every day, whether they be the roads to the shops, footy clubs or to school." 

Hunter LGA's Added to Live Traffic App

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Hunter motorists will soon have more real-time traffic information, as the state government prepares to add more regional roads to the Live Traffic NSW app. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell was joined by Maitland City Mayor Phillip Penfold and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway in Lorn today for the announcement. 

Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle are set to go live on the app by the end of the month, with plans for the entire state to be added by the end of the year. 

The program, which has already been implemented in Maitland, means councils will be trained to upload road closure and incident information themselves. 

Mayor Phillip Penfold, said it's something vulnerable communities have been calling for. 

"The opportunity for council itself to upload this information, is going to be a game-changer when it comes to emergencies like floods, like fires, like listing our roadworks," he said.  

"The Live Traffic app is fantastic as it is, but we need to make sure the community has confidence that the information that's there is up-to-date and valid and correct."

Mobile speed camera warning signs to return in the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Warning signs for mobile speed cameras are set to make a comeback across the Hunter, almost two years after the State Government removed them.

From January 1 next year, operators will need to install a portable sign before and after their vehicle.

The decision to remove the signage has sparked backlash from the community and claims of revenue raising.

Newcastle MP  Tim Crakanthorp says it's common sense to bring them back.

"The community, the media, the NRMA, and a report from Parliament all called on the Government to have a good look at this," he said. "Even the former Roads Minister Duncan Gay expressed the view."

"We supported these signs because community support for road safety programs is essential."

Groups like the Mobile Speed Camera Crusaders Army had started putting up their own vigilante signs, warning motorists ahead of the cameras.

Wallsend resident and group co-founder Tobias Hudson says it's a big relief for motorists, but the campaign doesn't end here.

"It's very unfair when people are getting booked going a couple of kilometres over, especially last week, they were parked on the 110kph road," he said.

"My next big thing will be to try to get signs on both sides of the road, because speed cameras do both sides of the road." 

"We will monitoring, checking the cameras, making sure they are putting signs out. A couple of us believe that they'll start putting the signs too close to the camera cars."

"The cameras can get you from a long distance. If they're parked at nighttime, where there's not a lot of cars parked on the side of the road, the signs will be closer to the car and they'll still get you, you won't have time to slow down."

The move to bring the signs back has sparked more concern, however, the decision comes too close to next year's state election.

Mr Crakanthorp says he agrees, it's a well-timed announcement.

"I think this government's been very opportunistic," he said. "They're seeing an election come up, and they're doing a backflip."

"We like seeing this backflip because it's just a cash grab, but it doesn't really instill confidence in the government's decision making process."

An example of vigilante warning signs put up by community members. Image credit: Tobias Hudson.

Hunter councils still waiting on regional roads transfer

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Regional Roads Minister has admitted he can't confirm even a single kilometre of regional roads across the Hunter and the State had been transferred to the NSW Government, despite a major election commitment in 2019.

Sam Farraway's also told Budget Estimates, the 15,000 kilometre commitment was a ceiling, and not a minimum.

The Coalition made the 2019 election promise in the hopes of alleviating the financial pressure on councils struggling to manage local roads.

Shadow Regional Roads Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says the promise was another attempt at pork-barrelling, and regional councils were banking on it being realised.

"If you look at a council like Dungog, for example, they don't have state roads in that council," she said. "Every single road has to be maintained as the responsibility of the council."

"We know there are roads in that council which connect to other electorates. They fulfil, one could say, a state function or at least a regional function."

"We've been told for years about the financial issues that Dungog Council had. This was a policy that was supposed to and promised to reduce the burden on council and on the ratepayers who are looking at increasing rates all the time."

"This is right across all of the regional councils in the Hunter."

Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway at Budget Estimates last week.

Councillor calls to revive Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Newcastle councillor is calling on State Government to reinvestigate the potential of an old project, to ease congestion on the region's road network.

The Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project has been shelved for around 50 years, after first being proposed in the mid-20th century.

The path would ease pressure on overworked roads such as Maud St in Mayfield and Wilkinson Avenue in Birmingham Gardens by tracing a new route through a number of suburbs from Industrial Drive at the Pacific Highway.

Much of the land put forward to accommodate the road through Warabrook and Birmingham Gardens remains vacant, though it's likely a number of residential properties would need to be acquired.

Councillor Callum Pull has submitted a Notice of Motion for Tuesday night's meeting, pushing Council to write to Government and the Opposition to explore the project.

94-year-old man dies after horror crash on the M1

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A 94-year-old man has died after a crash on the M1 near George Booth Drive at Killingworth yesterday afternoon.

The man's car and a truck collided around midday.

The 33-year-old truck driver was treated at the scene and taken to the John Hunter Hospital, suffering shock.

He'll undergo mandatory testing.

Police say they're investigating the crash.

State Government Investing $25 Million to Fix Dungog's Roads

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The State Government is investing $25 million dollars to upgrade roads in Dungog.

The Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole visited Dungog on Friday to make the announcement alongside the NSW Nationals candidate for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell.

“This brand new $25 million funding package from the NSW Government will help Dungog Shire Council to tackle their $23.8 million maintenance backlog and get these roads back into prime condition, which this community deserves,” Mr Barilaro said.

Priorities for upgrades under the $25 million package will be determined by Dungog Shire Council in consultation with Transport for NSW.

“We know the roads across the Dungog Shire are not up to standard and a reliable road network is essential for a thriving region." 

“The NSW Government is righting Labor’s wrongs by reclaiming the management of thousands of kilometres of roads across the state to take the onus off councils and put it back on the Government.

“That process is underway, but it will take time, and in the interim, we will continue to invest in road networks across NSW, because an investment in local roads is an investment in the lives of the people who live in that community.”

Mr Toole said in the past 12 months, the NSW Government has invested more than $21 million in projects on Dungog’s local road network.

“Only last week, I was out near Vacy to see work underway on Summer Hill Road – one of four road upgrades we’re funding with more than $5.4 million from our Fixing Local Roads program,” Mr Toole said.

In the coming months, work will get underway on the first four of 23 ageing timber bridges on the local road network that will be replaced with modern structures, thanks to $16 million in funding through the Fixing Country Bridges program.

Reduced Speed Limit on Newcastle Road Rakes in $6 Million in Fines, but has it reduced Crashes?

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government is facing calls to release data on how and if speed limit reductions on Thomas St, Newcastle Rd, and Griffiths Rd have improved road safety.

The speed limits on the popular stretch were reduced from 70km/h to 60km/h three years ago.

Transport for NSW stated then that the reduction was as a result of high residential and commercial density and a significant crash history, and would improve safety for motorists.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says despite the change, the Government has collected $6 million in speeding fines along the road and accidents continue at the same rate.

"Many of us suspect that the crash statistics are higher because it's a built-up road and at peak hour there's bumper to bumper accidents because the road is too clogged," Ms Hornery said.

"So after three years and $6 million worth of revenue from speeding fines, we're still wondering and shaking our heads as to why the government reduced the speed limit."

Ms Hornery has requested the data and reports to become available to assess whether the change was justified.

The Minister for Roads has been contacted for comment.

Unmarked Speed Cameras Raking in An Extra $15k on Single Newcastle Road

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Revenue from unmarked mobile speed cameras has skyrocketed in January, with fines flying into the pockets of Hunter motorists.

The NSW Government announced they would scrap warning signs for mobile speed cameras and triple their hours of operation in November last year.

The Government then announced they would go one step further in January, by removing the large reflective markings on the speed camera cars.

Statewide figures showed revenue of $3.4 million in January alone, $3 million more than in the same period a year before.

Edgeworth's Main Road dealt out a hefty $1,554 in fines this January - more than four times the previous January.

Motorists on Wallsend's Newcastle Road also copped 116 fines worth $21,354 just last month, compared to 37 fines and $5,950 in revenue the January prior.

Cameras along the New England Highway at East Maitland also scored 111 more fines this January than the same time last year, or around $20,000 in fines.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance told a parliamentary hearing the changes weren't about raising revenue, but only saving lives.

"You speed, you kill, and we have the fines to stop people speeding," Mr Constance said. 

"And what's gone on over the last 12 months, where speed is now contributing an extra ten percent of fatalities in this state, we have no choice."

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said the large number of fines didn't show an improvement in road safety, but the opposite.

"The Government should be advertising these changes, not rolling them out in silence," Ms Aitchison said.

"The seven-and-a-half-fold increase in fines shows conclusively that having signage on these detection devices slows drivers down.  Getting a fine in the mail two weeks later doesn’t."

State Government Facing Calls for Further Works on Pacific Highway to Improve Road Safety

BY DAKOTA TAIT

While the Pacific Highway's four lane upgrade has been completed, the NSW Government is now facing calls to invest in further works to help improve the road's safety. 

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie told Parliament on Tuesday the Pacific Highway needed overpasses and interchanges at vital intersections where there had been accidents and high traffic flows in the past.

“Population growth along the Pacific Highway corridor, combined with increasing tourism traffic has made many of these major intersections busy at peak times, raising further safety concerns,” Dr Gillespie said. 

“In recent times, we have seen fatal accidents at these busy intersections and it’s now time for them all to be upgraded.”

Dr Gillespie identified the Medowie Road, Italia Road and Buckets Way intersections north of Raymond Terrace as in particular need of an interchange or overpass following various fatal crashes in recent years.

"All of these intersections are a priority and need to be upgraded sooner rather than later. It is something we must put on the agenda now so that further investment can be made by the State and Federal Governments," Dr Gillespie said.

“The community at all of these locations are seeking interchanges and overpasses at these intersections and I believe they deserve nothing less."

Dr Gillespie said he would be pursuing the issue with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport.

$4.4 Million to Improve Local Roads in Dungog

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The State Government has announced $4.4 million to improve local roads in the Dungog Shire, as part of the $500 million Fixing Local Roads Program. 

$1,650,00 will be designated to the rehabilitation of Paterson River Road, $1,275,000 for the rehabilitation of Salisbury Road and $1,567,500 for the rehabilitation of Summer Hill Road. 

Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen, says the funding for shovel-ready projects will drive jobs in regional NSW.

“This is about delivering small projects that can make a big difference for local communities – projects that will drive valuable jobs in our region over the next 12 months as councils get cracking on delivery,” Mr Johnsen said.

 "In Dungog it will mean smoother, safer trips along the roads our community use every day – roads like Paterson River Road and Salisbury Road. This the program will deliver $4,492,500 for three projects across Dungog Shire, greatly assisting our local Dungog economy."

“Projects will need to be delivered within two years of receiving funding, to ensure that local communities are benefiting sooner,” Mr Johnsen concluded.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was accelerating its funding for the program to get more projects to seal, maintain and repair local roads under way faster.

“We’re not just putting our foot down in terms of delivering this package – we’re turbocharging it to ensure we create jobs and create better journeys on the roads that really matter to local communities,” Mr Toole said.

Dungog Mayor, John Connors with Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen,
 for the Fixing Country Roads Announcement

Wallsend Flood Mitigation Project Surging Ahead

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

A multi-million dollar program is underway in Wallsend with the City of Newcastle starting a number of projects to fortify the suburb against floodwaters and improve public amenities.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a major piece of the plan recently hit a $3.3 million dollar milestone as the Tyrrell Street bridge nears completion.

Councillor Nelmes says, "the Wallsend community has been hit hard on a number of occasions during the past decade from flash flooding.

"This is why we prioritised this $3.3 million project in what is a long term, generational change project in Wallsend."

The long-term program aims to restore aging infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, lighting and drainage throughout the town centre.

Other key upgrades include free Wi-Fi and updated pedestrian and cycle routes.

Ms Nelmes also said Wallsend's flood mitigation project and public domain plan form one long-term vision to allow the town centre to thrive as the population grows in our western suburbs.

Further engagement with the Wallsend community will be undertaken in the first half of 2020 to refine the masterplan at key locations.

City of Newcastle Project Manager Andrew Wood, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Matt Byrne

City of Newcastle's Capital Works Program Sets New Expenditure Record

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON 

Preliminary figures have shown that over ninety-one million dollars has been invested into Newcastle roads, community buildings and recreational facilities over the 2018/2019 financial year, a record in the city's capital works expenditure. 

The expenditure is said to have increased by over forty percent in the last four years through council's attempts to "meet the higher community expectations" and commitment to improving living standards for Newcastle's growing population. 

"Our investment in capital works has been growing over the past four years as we continue to balance infrastructure renewal with revitalisation projects to meet the higher community expectations that come with sustained growth." says Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. 

"Major projects, such as the restoration of City Hall, renewal of the Beresfield Local Centre, and expansion of the Summerhill Waste Recovery Centre, have rolled on into the new financial year."

This financial year's expenditure is also said to focus on environmental sustainability in Newcastle. 

"This financial year is also a focus on environmentally sustainable projects. We will be spending fourteen-million dollars on an organics facility, being established at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for the City of Newcastle as well." says the Lord Mayor. 

The facility will be a part of the overall thirty-six million dollar Capital Works investment into the environment set to roll out in Newcastle over the next couple of years. 

Logo belonging to the City of Newcastle

Premier's $205 Million Dollar Commitment to Nelson Bay Road

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

The NSW Liberal-National Government has pledged to commit a further $205 million for the Nelson Bay Road duplication project if they are re-elected in the upcoming election.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the upgrade is essential for a road that gets over 25,000 motorists each day.

According to the Premier, Roads and Maritime Services have said the project could be started by the end of this year and will take two years to complete.

The $205 million dollar commitment comes in addition to the $70 million dollars allocated to the project in 2015 by then-Premier Mike Baird

"As the Hunter and NSW continue to grow, so does the number of motorists using our roads,"

"Nelson Bay Road is a crucial connection for residents but can become very busy during holiday periods," said Premier Berejiklian.

"That's why we're delivering major road upgrades and improvements to make it easier, faster and safer for people to get around,

"We are planning these improvements to support tourism and local industries as a major economic driver in the Port Stephens area."
.

Image: Ian Crouch/2NURFM News

Sydney Road Base Built with Hunter Plastics

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A Newcastle based program has played a major role in the construction of a NSW road built using recycled plastic.

The Plastic Police program has seen the collection of 40,000 soft plastics like chip packets and cling wrap taken from participating Hunter schools, the University of Newcastle and local councils.

With the project officially opened by Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton in Sydney, the material will now be used in the 220 tonnes of asphalt lining the Old Princess Highway in Sutherland Shire, alongside 4000 used printer cartridges.

Director of Plastic Police, Samantha Cross said a 2015 Hunter trial has lead to interstate collaboration.

"Last year, we made contact with a company called Close the Loop, based in Melbourne, who have been developing a product called Toner Clad - the latest development of an asphalt additive...

"Connections through the Plastic Police program were able to provide the material used in laboratory trials [which eventually lead to the construction project beginning]," Ms Cross said. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Plastic Police program has saved close to 2 million pieces of soft plastics entering landfill. 

Samantha Cross hopes to see more projects being completed in the future with recycled materials. 

"In many instances, the use of plastic is unavoidable, so I'd like to think the participating councils and businesses will purchase-back products," she explained, "because it's no use collecting the plastic unless we can redirect it into alternative end markets and uses, and sending our recyclables overseas is no longer an option for Australia...

"We must develop our own end markets." 

Police Urge School Holiday Vigilance on Roads

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

With traffic expected to ramp-up on Hunter roads for tomorrow's school holiday launch, Newcastle Police are reminding drivers to stay safe.

They'll launch Operation Compliance, which sees all general duties and highway officers patrolling our roads, checking speed and conducting breath and drug tests.

Chief Inspector Bruce McGregor says officers will also be cracking down on unsafe cars. 

"All police will be out and about ensuring people aren't using their mobile phones while driving, wearing a seatbelt and looking at vehicle standards such as checking tyres are legal, working indicators and brake lights etcetera," he said.

The Relieving Traffic Tactician is issuing a plea to motorists to slow down and be careful, after 388 people died on NSW roads in the period from June 2017 to June this year.

"I just want to remind all motorists that police will be very vigilant and active until the 23rd of July," Inspector McGregor said.

Partnership Established To Save Koalas

BY ARIANA GATTI

A new partnership has been brought to light between aviation centre, Newcastle Airport and animal conservationist association - Port Stephens Koalas.

The two businesses are joining together to reduce koala motor vehicle injuries and fatalities within the Port Stephen's and surrounding areas.

Newcastle Airport has so far provided the necessary funds to install a mobile warning road sign, which will bring drivers' attention to keep an eye out for any koalas that may be wandering about.

With active and numerous populations of native koalas around the Williamtown, Tilligerry Peninsula and Nelson Bay regions, the sign will encourage drivers to slow their speed to at least 40km/h.

The mobile sign will have the ability to be moved across the Port Stephen's area, becoming operational from tomorrow, the 29th of June.

Port Stephens Koalas Secretary, Ron Land, says the mammals have been caught up in many accidents so far around these areas, with the number of fatalities looking considerable high over the past few years.

"We lost at least 32 koalas around 2016 and 2017, which is a worry considering we are trying to protect the species", he says.

"There has already been some fatalities so far this year, even one just two days ago; which is not a good sign as they are meant to be in hibernation around this time of the season".

Image Sourced: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/your-council/news/unanimous-support-for-$3m-koala-hospital-at-one-mile

Residents Rally for Hillsborough Road

BY SAM ISAAC AND LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Hillsborough and Warners Bay residents will gather at Hillsborough oval today at 9am, calling on the state government to release funding in the upcoming NSW 2018/19 budget for improvements to Hillsborough Road.

They'll share stories about accidents or near-misses along the stretch, with representatives from Lake Macquarie Council and Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison to also address the crowd.

It's understood the RMS has been invited to attend but is yet to deliver an RSVP.

The busy arterial road runs through Warner's Bay and Cardiff South and has been a source of controversy for years.

Daily congestion means many residents struggle to enter and exit their own homes, often costing them 15 or 20 minutes in the morning.

They're also concerned about the dangers the road poses to motorists and pedestrians alike, following the tragic 2015 death of 15-year-old Jade Frith.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says the government promised her a study on the road's problems and ways to remedy them back in 2015 but no upgrades have since been completed.

Hillsborough resident, Michael Nolan organised the meeting and says everyone living in the suburb has only two main entrances and exits, so Hillsborough Road needs to be de-congested.

"We've been petitioning the state government for five and a half years to release the Roads and Maritime report [the Lake Macquarie Network Study] to identify the problems along the Road and the solutions to those traffic issues...

"We've now got a draft copy of that report, which identifies that traffic lights will be put at the Chadwick Street and Hillsborough Road intersection," he continued, "so now we're hoping they'll act on the draft plans before...the next election."

Anyone passionate about the cause who can't make it to the meeting is urged to contact the office of Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison or write to the office of Roads Minister, Melinda Pavey.

Flowers mourn the death of a 15-year-old girl on the busiest section of Hillsborough Rd, 2015.
Image: The Herald.

Contract Awarded for Scone Bypass

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The construction contract for the New England Highway Bypass at Scone has been awarded, bringing the project one step closer to completion.

After a lengthy tender process, construction organisation Daracon Group were awarded the $120 million contract.

New England MP Barnaby Joyce made the announcement yesterday afternoon, with the bypass set to include three bridges benefiting long-haul vehicle operators driving trucks off the Kelly Street level crossing.

Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen said the final product will benefit Scone greatly.

"As we know from experience and bypasses in other towns, the vibrancy returns and more people feel confident coming back into town so it's only going to be a good thing.

"It'll take time off travel on the New England Highway," he continued, "especially for freight and it'll also take a lot of heavy vehicles out of the town and bring back the amenity of Scone as well."

The project is expected to be completed by late 2020, weather permitting.

A map for the proposed bypass. Image: NSW Government.