The Herald has launched a special series of reports examining the Hunter’s critical traffic problems.
As experts warn the region is headed for Sydney-style peak-hour gridlock, we investigate how drivers are suffering as the State Government plays catch-up with transport infrastructure.
Explore our Google Map at the bottom of this page.
Some of the Hunter’s most pressing traffic problems and transport priorities are listed below.
You can support the region's call for government action on these issues by voting (see right) for the problem that most affects you or the project you believe should be the top priority for government.
1. Hunter Transport Authority
Create a dedicated Hunter transport authority charged with co-ordinating infrastructure projects and forming public transport, roads, traffic, cycleway and parking management strategies. This would include park and ride sites in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland. It should be locally run and adequately funded.
2. Inner-city rail resolution
Implement the Hunter Development Corporation’s Renewal Report: cut the rail line at Wickham, build a bus/rail interchange, open the city to the harbour and improve cycling and pedestrian connections via the rail corridor.
3. Glendale interchange
Build a railway station, bus interchange, commuter car parking and associated roads connecting Glendale and Cardiff industrial estate.
4. Finish inner-city bypass
Provide an orbital link between the Pacific Highway at Windale and the Pacific Highway at Sandgate. Two stages – Rankin Park to Jesmond and Shortland to Sandgate – are yet to be built.
5. F3 to Pacific Highway link
A 15-kilometre stretch of four-lane dual-carriageway between the F3 at Black Hill and the Pacific Highway at Raymond Terrace.
6. Nelson Bay Road upgrade/Newcastle Airport links
Create a dual carriageway between the airport and Fern Bay.
7. New England Highway improvements between Maitland and Newcastle
Establish high-occupancy priority lanes to accommodate the increased traffic on the Pacific Highway. Improve the main roundabout at Maitland to relieve heavy peak-hour congestion.
8. Fix our rail crossings
Fix the rail crossings and reserve land for the Fassifern-to-Hexham freight rail bypass of Newcastle to reduce delays at Adamstown and Islington railway crossings by taking freight trains off commuter tracks.
9. Scone rail overpass and Singleton rail underpass
New England Highway grade separations are needed to address safety concerns and prevent Scone from being cut in half every time a coal train passes through.
10. A faster train to Sydney
Provide a quicker passenger rail service between the State’s two biggest cities. Services in 1930 were faster than they are now.
11. Cardiff railway station lift
Provide much-needed lift access at this busy suburban station, as well as provide increased car parking for commuters.
12. Better access to the university and John Hunter Hospital
Provide better, co-ordinated transport strategies to these important destinations. Provide dedicated priority lanes and traffic lights for buses, transport subsidies for students and consider staggered workplace and lecture start times to balance traffic peaks.
13. New Swansea Bridge
Provide a newer, safer and more reliable crossing of Swansea Channel.
DRIVE HOME YOUR MESSAGE: Vote in our poll, click your choice in the box on the top right-hand side of this page.
Have we missed your biggest traffic concern? Let us know in the comments below.
View Hunter traffic: driving us crazy in a larger map
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