A TRUCK driver who was hospitalised after a fatal crash at Cliftleigh remains in a serious condition as police tell the public 'enough is enough'.
The deadly collision, which took the life of a 31-year-old man on Monday afternoon, marks the second fatality on Cessnock Road in just two days.
Transport for NSW data shows that between 2019 and 2023, 27 crashes have been reported on the same stretch of Cessnock Road from 550 metres north of Avery Lane at Cliftleigh and the New England Highway at Maitland.
Three people died as a result of those incidents, seven sustained serious injuries, 15 people were moderately injured and two had minor injuries.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Chief Inspector Paul Johnson urged the public to be responsible on the region's roads.
"We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination, which is why we ask drivers to be responsible and do everything they can to keep themselves, their passengers and other road users safe," he said.
"Enough is enough, stick to the road rules, stick to the speed limits, drive to the conditions and if you are feeling tired, stop driving.
"If you care about your family and friends, you will have these conversations with them and demonstrate the right behaviours on the road."
The Centre for Road Safety data only includes crashes recorded by NSW Police where at least one person was killed or injured or at least one vehicle was towed away.
The true number of crashes on Cessnock Road could be even higher.
The 34-year-old truck driver involved in Monday's incident was taken to John Hunter Hospital after the horror crash, which saw specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit called to the scene.
No charges have been laid as a result of the crash, but NSW Police have confirmed inquiries are continuing.
Monday's collision came after one man died and another was hospitalised in a horror three-car crash about 7.30pm at Cessnock Road, Gillieston Heights on Friday, August 2.
The 44-year-old driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene, while another 40-year-old man, who was later taken to hospital, and a 53-year-old woman, were treated by paramedics at the scene.
Transport for NSW has recently completed a corridor study on Cessnock Road which has identified changes that can be made over time to improve safety and efficiency as growth on the corridor continues.
A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said Cessnock Road is an important link for motorists and freight operators in the Hunter region, which is why it is investigating improvements.
"Transport is planning to finalise a strategic business case to explore improved transport options and service upgrades in the Hunter region," she said.
"This case will identify upgrades to services and infrastructure to support multiple modes of transport along Cessnock Road which runs through the Maitland and Cessnock area.
"This business case will cover state and local road networks and address resilience, safety and increasing modal choice for journeys between Maitland and Kurri Kurri."
A traffic model for the area will be used to test options and guide the prioritisation of upgrades across the network, including seeking more direct local connections between residential areas and employment centres.
The traffic model has also been developed to take into account housing figures and employment growth from Cessnock and Maitland councils to inform future development scenarios.
The business case is expected to be completed by March 2025.
Just eight minutes away on the New England Highway, a notorious black spot at Harpers Hill came to the attention of The Roads and Traffic Authority after 10 people died in the 12 years to 2012.
