Hunter motorists will notice some changes to the traffic conditions on the Jesmond roundabout this week.
From Tuesday 17 December, all vehicles are slated to pass under the Jesmond Bridge.
Those venturing west towards Jesmond will now travel through the first span of the structure, while road-users heading east towards the city can continue to go through the second.
Motorists proceeding north from Newcastle Road are able to temporarily utilise the second span of the bridge and turn right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
“This is an exciting day as we move closer to the completion of a project that will transform the way people travel to, from and around the region,” Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said.
“The switch from a roundabout to a signalised intersection at Jesmond will improve the safety and efficiency of this intersection, as well as significantly reduce travel times for the 40,000 to 60,000 motorists which use this route daily.
“I know Novocastrians will be so pleased to see this milestone reached and I look forward to the entire project being completed by the end of next year.”
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery agreed.
“The Newcastle Inner City Bypass will provide traffic relief for the local community by removing up to 30,000 vehicles each day from the existing route of Lookout Road, Croudace Street and Newcastle Road,” she said.
“These roads are currently being used by about 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles each day so once complete, local motorists, commuters and the freight industry will experience safer and smoother journeys.”
In the coming months, traffic will realign under the third span, according to a spokesperson from Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
“The eastbound and northbound lanes will be closed until Wednesday 18 December, from 7pm to 5am, weather permitting,” he said.
“Detours of up to 2.5 kilometres will be in place during this time.
“Eastbound motorists are redirected north via the slip lane at the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to a U-turn at the University Drive roundabout.
“Westbound road-users travelling north from the Jesmond roundabout will detour further west to U-turn at the Thomas Street roundabout in Wallsend.
“Overall, it may add up to 10 minutes to journeys.
“Access will be maintained for east and westbound motorists during the work.
“B-doubles, vehicles of wide loads (up to 4.5m wide) and under 5.9m height clearance are permitted to travel through the intersection on Newcastle Road at Jesmond.
“Operators of over-size over-mass (OSOM) vehicles with a ground contact wider than 3.2m or with overall width greater than 4.5m are advised to contact the project team at least one day ahead of movement on 1800 818 433.
“Significant delays will occur if they fail to do so.
“OSOM operators are also advised the project operates on UHF channel 57 at the Jesmond Interchange.”
For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or phone 132 701.
For more news stories:
- Help shape the future of transport in Hunter
- Bali Nine face reintegration challenge in Australia
- Cessnock home to new $2.2m regional skatepark
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
