I'm currently (4.50pm Monday, June 8) on my way home from Manning Point and there was an unnecessary traffic jam southbound on the Pacific Highway from Taree to just after Failford Road where the "fantastic new road upgrade" is currently happening.
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This resulted in at least an extra 1-2 unnecessary hours added to our journey.
We were optimistic thinking there were extra resources there to help traffic leave Foster, however we were bitterly disappointed to see the left hand lane closed for the road upgrades.
Why that lane wasn't opened prior to this weekend is very confusing. It's the first weekend the public can travel, go camping etc and a long (holiday) weekend. Therefore it should be pretty obvious for Transport/RMS to understand the traffic implications of this weekend.
I read in the Manning River Times where it says the lane will be opened by June 5, they have clearly received this information from a media release or community notification.
There was ample room for the concrete barriers to be moved back over into the shoulder and allow the southbound traffic to continue.
These delays were avoidable and have likely ruined some great weekends had by many.