As work resumes on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension, and other projects throughout the Hunter, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is offering some timely advice.

The organisation and NSW Police are urging road-users to be prepared to encounter Over-Size Over-Mass (OSOM) vehicles while travelling around the Port of Newcastle and Central-West regions.

“It can be a bit daunting for some motorists,” a spokesperson said.

“So, here’s a few simple steps you can follow.

“Especially, if you see a see a pilot or escort vehicle and the OSOM vehicle is approaching.”

• Remain calm
• Reduce your speed
• Move as far to the left as possible and prepare to stop if necessary
• Follow all instructions given by the traffic escort

If you are approaching an OSOM vehicle from the rear:

• Slow down and prepare for slow moving traffic queues
• Be patient – you will be given an opportunity to pass or overtake when it’s safe
• Do not risk overtaking an OSOM load without ensuring the road ahead is clear and be prepared for unexpected wind buffeting
• Be extra careful when approaching bends or corners – over-size vehicles need a lot more road to corner and turn and will sometimes need to cross to the incorrect side of the road to turn
• Narrow roads and bridges create additional hazards; operators might need to drive into the centre of the road to navigate these sections of the road
• OSOM vehicles can take a lot longer to stop and their drivers might not be able to see you. Do not try to drive between the pilot vehicle and the truck

M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace

Major construction continues across the project from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 8am to 5pm on Saturday; and from 8pm to 5am Monday to Friday nights.

The work will also require lane closures and contraflow with intermittent stoppages and temporary speed reductions to 40km/h at the following locations and times:

From 8pm to 5am, on the nights of Monday 4 May until Friday 8 May

• M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and Black Hill
• John Renshaw Drive at Beresfield
• New England Highway at Tarro
• Pacific Highway at Tomago and Heatherbrae.

From 8am to 5pm, Monday 4 May until Friday 8 May

• Lenaghans Drive at Black Hill
• Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
• New England Highway Eastbound at Tarro

Operators of OSOM vehicles with a ground contact wider than 3.2 metres or with overall width greater than 4.5 metres are advised to contact the project team on 0423 323 946 at least one day ahead of any proposed movement.

Significant delays can occur if they fail to do so.

Golden Highway at Jerrys Plains

Maintenance is slated for the Golden Highway near Woodlands Road, Jerrys Plains, this week.

Muswellbrook Shire Council will carry out the work on behalf of TfNSW, which includes widening the road shoulders.

It’ll take place from Monday 4 May to Friday 19 June, between 7am and 5pm, over the next two months.

Some work may be undertaken on Saturdays, from 8am to 1pm, too.

Traffic control, including a single lane closure, alternating stop/slow and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be operational for the safety of everyone.

Operators of OSOM vehicles are advised to call ahead on UHF channel 13 to be escorted through the site.

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