MOTORISTS travelling through Tarro were left fuming on Monday October 9, as unexpected lane closures caused significant delays on the New England Highway.
One of the two lanes at the Tarro rail bridge were closed to traffic in both directions, leaving commuters stuck crawling in long queues through the busy section of highway. Traffic started backing up from 6.30am and traffic cameras in the area captured long lines of cars and trucks still trapped in the gridlock at 9am.
The "urgent bridge repairs" were only announced on Saturday after a defect was discovered during routine inspections of the bridge. Two columns on the outside lanes of the bridge have been significantly degraded and the lanes had to be shut to "minimise the potential for further deterioration".
The lane closures and speed limit reductions will remain in place until repairs can be carried out, which is expected to take at least two weeks.
"Transport for NSW, acting on the advice of expert engineers, had to take the unexpected and urgent step of closing the left lanes," Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said.
"The defect does not present any immediate danger to either road or rail users and Transport for NSW is able to keep the bridge open to all road users.
"The speed limit will remain reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h across the bridge.
"All site investigations are complete and our engineering teams are assessing repair options now. We are expecting the final design and delivery schedule this week.
"We acknowledge that these changes will be frustrating but safety must always be our first priority."
A reduced speed limit of 60km/h will remain in place, check signage for further details.
Newcastle Herald understands issues with the bridge were first identified earlier in the year when a reduced speed limit was implemented in July to help stop the degradation to the columns, but the curbed speeds were not enough to limit the damage.
Did you get stuck in the traffic on Monday morning? Leave a comment below.
