Maitland City Council will collect and analyse traffic data from Tocal Road after reports that truck movements have dramatically increased in the area.
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Vehicle speed and traffic volume data will be collected as part of the study.
The aim of the study will be to identify traffic management and safety issues as well as various solution options.
To read the Mercury's opinion on the issue, click here.
The Mercury has previously reported that the NSW Environmental Protection Authority had granted mining company Daracon approval to quadruple its output from the Martins Creek quarry to two million tonnes per year, which has led to a dramatic increase in traffic entering and leaving the quarry.
Paterson Progress Association recorded video footage of 100 trucks passing through the town between 5.48am and 7am one day last month.
Increased truck movements had also been reported in Bolwarra Heights, Lorn, Maitland, East Maitland, Seaham, Raymond Terrace and Paterson recently.
Council appearance and infrastructure executive manager Chris James said this would not be the first traffic study council had conducted on Tocal Road.
But Mr James said the study would be carried out again in light of residents’ concerns that the latest increase would cause more wear and tear on roads.
He said council did not monitor truck movements from the Martins Creek quarry.
“Daracon is just one of a number of haulage operators that use Tocal Road,” he said.
“Tocal Road is a regional road and transport corridor, therefore motor vehicles and trucks are entitled to use it at all times.”
Daracon trucks commonly travel west from the quarry and turn south to travel through Paterson.
Some trucks then move toward Seaham and Raymond Terrace, while others continue onto Tocal Road, and onto Melbourne Street in East Maitland.
