Stay on Santa's nice list and slow down around construction sites this Christmas

Published

Transport for NSW is encouraging Newcastle motorists not to be ‘elfish’ over the Christmas period by taking care and driving to the speed limits around work sites. 
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said Christmas is a busy period on our roads, which means motorists need to be extra vigilant, including around construction zones.
“Motorists are reminded to stay within the speed limits in these areas,” Ms Zycki said.   
“We want to ensure everyone makes it home safely to their loved ones during this Christmas period.
“We have several major projects happening in the greater Newcastle area, including the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace project, Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Straight, which will all have reduced speed limits in place over the festive season.
“NSW Police will also be making a list and checking it twice with double demerits in place for all speeding, motorcycle helmet, seatbelt and mobile phone offences from Friday 22 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024.
“Only Santa can speed around the world in a night – the rest of us need to make sure we obey the road rules to get home safely.”
Ms Zycki said Hunter roads are extra busy during the holiday period. 
“Hexham is a known pinch point with traffic subject to extensive delays at this time of year,” Ms Zycki said. 
“Motorists should plan their trips and expect delays on their journeys.”
Shutdown periods and speed limits in the Newcastle region include:    

  • The Hexham Straight project site will shut down from Friday 22 December 2023, with the first shift back on Monday 8 January 2024.  The project area will remain 60km/h.
  • The M1 Pacific Motorway extension (Black Hill to Tomago) project site will shut down from Friday 22 December 2023, with the first shift back on Tuesday 2 January 2024. There will be no speed reductions in place during this time. 
  • The M1 Pacific Motorway extension (Heatherbrae Bypass) project site will shut down from Friday 22 December 2023, with the first shift back on Monday 8 January 2024. Throughout this period, the southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway (between Richardson Road and Masonite Road) will be restricted to 80km/h. 
  • The Newcastle Inner City Bypass will sign off for the festive season on Friday 22 December 2023 and return on Monday 8 January 2024. Please be aware of posted speed limits, as speed limit reductions may still be in place around the project site. 

For more details about predicted delays, see the Journey Planner (myjourneynsw.info)

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