Community News

Changes to Centenary Drive traffic

Safety will be improved for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists with the introduction of new holiday traffic restrictions at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Centenary Drive, northeast of Grafton.

Roads and Maritime Services Acting Director Northern Vicky Sisson said the restrictions will be introduced after assessing road safety risks and listening to community concerns.

“As part of its Holiday Traffic Operations, Roads and Maritime Services implements various measures to manage safety and traffic efficiency at key pinch points,” Ms Sisson said.

“These measures have previously included restricting turning movements at intersections with the Pacific Highway, including Iolanthe Street at South Grafton and Court Street at Woodburn.

“Roads and Maritime have listened to the community and examined recent crash history at the northern intersection of Centenary Drive at Clarenza.

“This included a crash in November 2018 where a vehicle turning right onto the Pacific Highway failed to give way and caused a heavy vehicle to brake sharply and roll.”

Ms Sisson said there will be restrictions placed on vehicles entering and leaving the northern end of Centenary Drive from the Pacific Highway from Monday 15 April through to Monday 29 April, including the Easter long weekend.

“The intersection will remain open only to vehicles leaving the Pacific Highway southbound, turning left into Centenary Drive,” Ms Sisson said.

“Traffic on the highway northbound will not be able to turn right into Centenary Drive and vehicles will not be permitted to turn out of Centenary Drive in either direction onto the highway.

“The northern end of Centenary Drive will be closed to all northbound traffic between Duncans Lane and the Pacific Highway, with the exception of local residents.

“Motorists travelling north on Centenary Drive will be redirected to the Pacific Highway via Duncans Lane and Hennessy Drive.

“A reduced speed limit and detour signage will be in place on Centenary Drive and Duncans Lane.”