NSW Road Conditions Updated: Changed traffic conditions on the New England Highway at Tarro Rail Bridge

Information from Transport for NSW

Additional changes to traffic arrangements are being implemented on the New England Highway at Tarro Rail Bridge from Friday, 13 October.

During the most recent inspection of the bridge, further degradation was found. While the bridge remains structurally adequate, based on expert engineering advice and for the safety of all road users, Class 1 (Oversize/Overmass) and any other vehicles 69 tonnes and above will not be permitted to use the bridge, effective immediately.

For vehicles greater than 5.2 metres in height, 35 metres in length and/or wider than 7.5 metres, there is no suitable detour.

For all other restricted heavy vehicles, the detour arrangements are via Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Newcastle Link Road.

For the safety of all road users, Transport for NSW will continue to use existing CCTV cameras in the area to monitor traffic.

A process is in place to update permits to reflect these arrangements. Notification of these changes will be sent via the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.

Please be assured Transport is working with its contractor to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.

Advice from 9 October 2023

Additional changes to traffic conditions have been implemented on the New England Highway at Tarro Rail Bridge from Saturday, 7 October 2023.

In July heavy vehicles weighing more than 69 tonnes were asked to use the right-hand lane (in direction of travel) to cross the bridge. This was in response to the discovery of a defect during a routine, planned inspection.

Following further inspections of the bridge this week and for the safety of all road users, Transport for NSW will now close the left lane in each direction across the bridge from Saturday, 7 October 2023. The reduced 60km/h speed limit will remain in place.

With the end of school holidays this weekend heavy traffic is expected at this location and all road users are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of additional travel time.

The lane closures and speed limit reduction will remain in place until repairs are carried out.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.