TRANSPORT has been one of Newcastle's greatest obsessions of late, and state Labor has recently lifted the lid on its plan to deal with congestion and increase public transport.
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It has addressed the divisive heavy rail issue, saying that if it was elected to government in March it would leave the heavy rail in place (with "beautification" provided by more grass) and add three level crossings and a pedestrian crossing near Steel and Wolfe streets.
Shadow Transport Minister Penny Sharpe said trains on the heavy rail would decrease in speed, and pedestrian and traffic gates would be better co-ordinated to allow good traffic flow.
State Opposition Leader John Robertson said his plan would not cost more than the $460,000 allocated by the state government for light rail and interchange plans.
The strategy also addressed congestion caused by Adamstown rail gates, proposing either a road bridge or underpass in the area.
A potential Stewart Avenue bypass will be looked at along with a new rail overpass at Selma Street.
Another Tourle Street Bridge and Glendale transport interchange are in the plans, as is the completion of the inner-city bypass - something the state government has promised as well.
"This plan shows that by investing in new projects, you can keep the critical rail line and revitalise the CBD," Mr Robertson said.