An Opportunity to Optimise the Tarro-Beresfield Connections to the RVRT/M1 Extension

An Opportunity to Optimise the Tarro-Beresfield Connections to the RVRT/M1 Extension

Facebook Post – May 29th 2024:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02zyBLYVyCAw9RDh9QpArv5HfErc7aobQ7X3SDpEp2DdXrudzxFPnTtpCxeAuExi5sl

From Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)

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Construction of the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace is gathering pace and we have reached the point at which it is highly desirable to clarify and resolve any outstanding issues associated with shared pathway inter-connections between the RVRT, the M1 Extension, and the Tarro and Beresfield communities.
 
Responsibility for resolving these issues, finding the necessary grant funds, and constructing and managing these shared pathways ultimately rests with City of Newcastle Council … but we are all in this together … and without solid support from agencies such as Transport for NSW (TfNSW), other local Councils, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), local business and community groups, and State and Federal governments, we are unlikely to achieve the desired community outcomes (and within a reasonable timeframe).
 
Here is roughly where things are up to (as of May 2024):
 
The finalised Design and Landscape Plan for the M1 Extension has recently been released (https://media.caapp.com.au/dea4qw.pdf – 161Mb), which identifies the Active Transport Links that will be “Constructed by the Project” (see Picture 1). These are essentially designed for experienced riders and allow for “… the continuation and enhancement of key active transport links within the existing road configuration” (Page 144). The broader M1 Extension outcomes include: improved traffic flow for motorists and freight using the National Land Transport Network; improved connections and accessibility to surrounding road networks and communities; and improved safety for all road users.

Picture 1: Page 144 from May 24 - BH2T Design and Landscape plan-17x11

​As illustrated in Pictures 2 and 3, the RVRT will facilitate connections to the M1 Extension and the New England Highway near the planned Tarro Interchange. This will allow experienced riders from the Maitland and Raymond Terrace areas to use the RVRT as an off-road, active transport (shared pathway) route to Shortland and Newcastle, crossing parts of the Hunter Wetlands National Park and avoiding the busy Hexham Straights section of the Pacific Highway (which is also currently being upgraded).

Picture 2: Proposed Cyclist Connections near Tarro Interchange - Updated - May 2024

Picture 3: Page 101 from May 24 - BH2T Design and Landscape plan - 17x11

To optimise the RVRT’s benefits and ensure that it is accessible by all potential user groups (not just experienced riders), we need to resolve at least four issues:

1. Identify (and construct) the preferred and safest pathway route adjacent to the re-located Aurizon Access Road and under the M1 viaduct (to allow access to multiple connections and potential facilities);
2. Determine and provide the best way to cross the New England Highway and access Anderson Drive (e.g., constructing a new Shared Pathway Bridge, similar to the one at Jesmond);
3. Clarify the preferred shared pathway routes through Tarro and Beresfield, giving consideration to connections to local schools, parks and shopping areas, to ensure local as well as regional benefits [Our preference would be an off-road shared pathway across or around Tarro Park which connects with Railway Parade and Beresfield Station, so riders and walkers can access facilities and use public transport for one leg of their journey]; and
4. Provision of facilities adjacent to the RVRT – Aurizon Access Road interface and elsewhere (e.g., Parking, Shelter, Drop-off, Water, etc) to facilitate direct use of the RVRT shared pathway by all user groups [Potentially including re-purposing of parts of the former access road for parking]. Additionally, and in the longer-term, provision of better parking areas, playground facilities, and exercise circuits within Tarro Park would also be useful.

​While the M1 Extension is not due to open until 2028, substantial progress has already been made (see Pictures 4 to 7), including initial work on re-location of the Aurizon Access Road (see Pictures 5 and 6), which will continue during June and July.

Pictures 4 to 7

​It simply makes good planning sense to simultaneously resolve the identified RVRT access issues now and to fully construct this section of the RVRT in tandem with the M1 Extension, if not sooner. An integrated Landscape Plan could then be delivered at this location (rather than a piecemeal approach), building on the existing M1 design elements and themes. Signage and promotional material could also be developed and displayed, relating, for example, to the Hunter Estuary and Wetlands, and to local Indigenous and Non-indigenous culture and heritage.
 
Unreleased findings from the Shortland and Tarro active transport project undertaken by the City of Newcastle in 2023 (see Picture 8 ) could also contribute to these deliberations and to priority setting.

Picture 8: Tarro Investigative Area - CN - Follow-up - May 2024 - 8x4

​It is also anticipated that (eventually) experienced riders will be able to complete a counter-clockwise loop around the northern segment of the Hexham Wetlands by utilising the M1 Extension’s Active Transport links, Lenaghans Drive, and the Minmi Junction to Tarro segments of the RVRT – and an even longer Wetlands Loop if the Shiraz to Shore Trail includes an additional Pipeline Trail link between Maryland/Wallsend and Shortland.
 
Thanks to all of our RVRT supporters.
 
CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK WELCOME.

RVRT Inc. Contact Information:
WEBSITE:   https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/​      FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/

​President:  Terry Lewin
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0404 439 616 (Terry)
 
Vice-President:  Leigh Gibbens
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0433 570 920 (Leigh)

​​Secretary & Treasurer:  Sam Reich
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0418 402 644 (Sam)
 
Founding President:  Billy Metcalfe
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0417 453 152 (Billy)

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