Three Vehicles Damaged After Rocks Thrown from Overpass in Muswellbrook

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for public assistance after rocks were thrown from an overpass at Bridge Street in Muswellbrook on Tuesday night.

About 10.30pm, police have been told a group of people threw rocks from the railway overpass onto oncoming traffic.

The rocks have caused damage to three vehicles traveling on the roadway below – a B double truck suffered damage to a rear window, another B double truck suffered dents and paint damage to its roof, and the front windscreen was smashed on a Nissan Murano SUV.

Hunter Valley Police District Duty Officer, Chief Inspector Guy Guiana, urged any witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision in the area at the time to come forward.

“While it’s unfortunate that three vehicles were damaged, it was extremely lucky no one was injured in the incident,” Ch/Insp Guiana said.

“Throwing rocks at oncoming traffic is a very serious matter and we are keen to speak to anyone with any information about this dangerous incident.”

Image Credit: Grant Broadcasters/Radio Hunter Valley

Traffic frustration to be no more, as Maitland overpass nears completion

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland commuters frustration in traffic could be a thing of the past when the eastbound overpass opens on the New England Highway.

The NSW Government provided $51 million for the project on the Maitland roundabout, which will see the overpass significantly ease congestion going from west to east, which can back up for three kilometres.

The majority of the construction work is completed, however motorists will incur some diversions for night works to complete the project, once it is open.

Between 7pm and 5am, the roundabout will be closed from late September and throughout October. Traffic will be diverted to the hospital roundabout and then east via the new overpass bridge.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says an exact opening date is yet to be announced.

"They're very much expecting it next week or by the end of the month. As I say, we've had some heavy rain that has disrupted and there's a bit more weather forecast so RMS [Roads and Maritime Services] will put out a bulletin hopefully relatively very soon."

Motorists are advised to keep to the speed limits while construction is still underway and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.