Newcastle Inner City Bypass On Track, Transport NSW Releases Project Update

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Transport for NSW has released a project update for stage 5 of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Jesmond and Rankin Park.

The design for the bypass is continuing to be refined, in response to community feedback, with a number of changes to the proposed northern and southern interchanges.

The main road works are expected to go out to tender in early 2021 and early works to relocate services such as water and gas mains and electricity wires and poles are set to begin later this year, particularly around the southern end of the Bypass.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery says the changes shouldn't make a huge difference to commuters. 

"The time frame remains the same, we're still looking at 3.54 kilometres of divided road," Ms Hornery said. 

"If you have any questions about the road, or you'd like more information you can contact the project team on 1800 818 433. Or you can visit the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct website for more information as well." 

Changes to Southern Interchange

Changes to Northern Interchange

Final Stage of Inner City Bypass Could Start Late 2019

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

More than four years after former Premier Mike Baird announced funding for the fifth and final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, it's been revealed today the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project has been approved.

The Department of Planning and Environment received 173 submissions after the EIS was exhibited in late 2016, with residents highlighting issues with the Jesmond Park shared path, noise and vibration during construction, the hospital interchange and pedestrian access.

The Department's final assessment means construction will be subject to a few conditions including the preparation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan, but Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald said the approval means construction planning can finally get underway.

"One of the very, very important things was that we got confirmation of the dual access ramps in and out of John Hunter Hospital, going north and south,"

"So it's an important step and the NSW Liberal government will be announcing in the not too distant future the next steps of construction."

According to Scot Macdonald, Roads and Maritime Services has advised work could begin on the project by the end of this year.

The 3.4km bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond is expected to help motorists avoid up to 11 sets of traffic lights on the existing route and will help speed up travel during morning and afternoon peaks.

Maitland residents will also be set to benefit from another announcement made today, with $1.5 million dollars to be invested in traffic management improvements for the Cessnock Road and Church Street roundabout.

Work will begin in April to install traffic lights on the eastbound entrance and widen Cessnock Road.

During peak hours the lights will be triggered by traffic queue detectors which will be installed on the New England Highway westbound approach.

Local roads were high on the agenda today, with Scot Macdonald also joined at Beresfield by Wallsend Liberal candidate Nick Trappett for an inspection of the newly upgraded intersection of Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive.

Work started just over a year ago to replace the roundabout with a new set of traffic lights which are already operating as the final touches are made to the site.

Blake Keating, Scot Macdonald and Nick Trappett

John Hunter Roadworks Renew Calls To Expedite The Newcastle Inner City Bypass

BY JARROD MELMETH

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says while she welcomes traffic improvement measures at the John Hunter Hospital, only the construction of a second entrance and expedition of Stage 5 of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will solve the major traffic issues.

The roadworks due to commence on Wednesday, July 18, will see the resurfacing of the road leading into the Hospital and down past the main entry. The works will also see the road alongside the front of the Hospital and main carparks turned into two way so that cars do not have to travel around the Hospital if leaving from the carpark near the Pathology Building.

Ms Hornery said while it won't stop the major congestion, it will hopefully ease some of the significant delays motorists experience.

"The solution is that we look at alternative roads being built as well. That means expediting the completion of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Jesmond to Rankin Park.

"It also means looking at how we can get commuters, staff, visitors and patients in the John Hunter Hospital off the road. This could be achieved through the re-installation of the free shuttle service that used to operate very successfully from Macdonald Jones Stadium.

"If the government were fair dinkum about easing congestion they would improve public transport so commuters from around the area can get to places like the John Hunter, the Mater and the University without being forced to drive because they have no alternative," Ms Hornery said.

The road travelling west at the John Hunter Hospital campus set to be
turned into two-way driving.

Full Interchange Announced For John Hunter Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government has responded to calls for a second access to the John Hunter Hospital from the proposed 5th stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The original plans called for a half interchange which only provided access to the hospital for vehicles travelling to and from the north.

Hospital staff, the Health Services Union and the wider community expressed concerns that a half interchange would be inadequate especially for ambulances and patients needing to access the emergency department.

Today, the government committed a further $13 million on top of the $280 million set aside for stage five of the bypass to ensure a full interchange is built.

Roads and Maritime Services will release revised plans for the interchange and commission an environmental impact study.

It's hoped work on the interchange will commence at the end of 2018.

While there's no timeline yet for construction of the 5th stage of the bypass, it's anticipated to be finished in the next three of four years.

Parliamentary Secretary For The Hunter, Scot MacDonald, RMS Regional Manager Anna Zycki and Hunter New England health CEO Michael DiRienzo At Today's Announcement