From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Grade Separation is the process of aligning a junction of two or more transport axes at different heights (grades) so that they will not disrupt the traffic flow on other transit routes when they cross each other. The composition of such transport axes does not have to be all alike; instead, it can consist of a mixture of roads, railways, and canals. Bridges, tunnels, or a combination of both can be built at a junction to achieve the needed grade separation.

In North America, a grade-separated junction may be referred to as a grade separation[1] or as an interchange – in contrast with an intersection or an at-grade, which are not grade-separated.

Grade Separation

From Arup Consultants Australia

Moorlands to Herons Creek   EIS    Abbreviations and glossary

GRADE SEPARATION

The Separation of traffic so that crossing movements, that would otherwise conflict, are at different levels.

INTERCHANGE

A Grade separation of two or more roads with one or more interconnecting carriageways.

CARRIAGEWAY

Portion of a road or bridge used by vehicles (inclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes).

Premier Rees Visit to Port Stephens

One week prior to The Premier Mr Rees’s  Visit to Port Stephens during 2009 the banner shown below was removed from the frame work.
 
 

 
 
RTA – strange happenings in the shire?

For 12 months the Hexham Junction Project land owners had a sign on their Pacific Highway property, opposite the Tomago Road intersection.  This was to alert locals and those passing by to the curious policy of the RTA with regards to development of the site. Those interested enough to investigate the matter further were encouraged to jump onto a website advertised on the Banner.
Indeed, to date 11500 people have done exactly that.
However a few days prior to the Premier’s recent visit to the Port Stephens shire, the sign mysteriously disappeared, despite the fact that the land belongs to the Hexham Junction land owners. Over and above any political reasons for the signs removal, a clear case of trespass has occurred.
But why was it removed? And to what end?
Does somebody want Mr Rees to remain out of the loop? With such a renewed and federally driven focus on infrastructure projects, surely our beleaguered premier, who is certainly having a torrid time of late both with the electorate and his own party, would want to stay on top of such a project?
But with the removal of the Banner a direct reminder of a sensitive local issue was removed, at a stroke as it were.
 
Clearly the best result is a Grade Separated Interchange at the F3 to Pacific Highway to Tomago Road Location.
Three examples of a Grade Separated Interchange Design are illustrated on this web site as;
RTA Concept Designs 1st - August 2006 and The Peoples Choice Proposal  - The Peoples Choice Interchange and F3 OURIMBAH INTERCHANGE - constructed just North of Gosford.
 
A Grade Separated Design would be the best possible result for the shire and its residents, and would fit in neatly with other projects in the area, both planned and underway.
 
Why then is the RTA dragging its feet on this important transport link and potentially vital tourist portal which could showcase our wonderful shire to the millions who travel along the east coast of NSW’s main road corridor each year?
If the Premier is being poorly advised on the matter, or kept in the dark, surely local residents have the right to ask why?