The retention and enhancement of the train line between Newcastle and Wickham is one of the raft of measures that Labor committed to as part of its major transport agenda for Newcastle.

It is as an alternative to the government’s plan to replace trains with a light rail network into the city.

Opposition Leader John Robertson announced the plan yesterday, aimed at rejuvenating Newcastle CBD and alleviating transport problems around the city’s rail corridor.

Landscaping and beautification work would take place along the existing rail line, under Labor’s plan, with three new level rail crossings and one pedestrian-only crossing to be established.

Feasibility studies into an overpass or underpass at the Adamstown rail gates would also be investigated, as well as the possibility of a new road to bypass the busy Stewart Avenue crossing and relieve traffic congestion, allowing freight vehicles an alternative access route to the Port of Newcastle.

Mr Robertson said upgrades to the signal network and a proposed new stabling facility at Broadmeadow would reduce waiting times at rail crossing bottlenecks.

Labor says it can deliver its plan for $460 million – the same amount that the government has earmarked to remove the train line and replace it with a light rail network.

Mr Robertson reaffirmed his guarantee yesterday that the rail line would be spared if Labor formed government at the next election.

Mr Robertson reaffirmed his party’s guarantee yesterday that the rail line would be spared if Labor formed government at the next election.

He said the new transport plan addressed many issues, such as traffic congestion, that the government had used to argue the case for cutting the line.

Mr Robertson said Maitland would benefit from a growing and vibrant Newcastle.

“The people of the wider Hunter have a choice between Labor, which has a plan to enhance and maintain public transport, and the Liberals who have a plan to close the rail line and maybe run some bus services,” he said.

“This is a plan with a vision for the next 20 to 30 years for the whole region.

“It’s ensuring that public transport and roads are part of the solution to allow the region to grow.

“The rail infrastructure that is in place is a critical part of the future for Newcastle and the wider Hunter.”

Opposition transport spokeswoman Penny Sharpe said retaining the train line was a fundamental issue for Maitland.

“Public transport makes a difference in whether people can be part of a community,” she said. 

Labor’s transport plan includes:

Keep heavy rail between Wickham and Newcastle and beautify rail corridor

 Three extra level crossings and one new pedestrian-only crossing in CBD

Investigate feasibility of Stewart Avenue bypass to take traffic away from busy rail crossing

Upgrade rail signal network to allow crossings to operate more efficiently

New train stabling facility at Hamilton to stop freight trains entering CBD

Improve access at Newcastle, Wickham, Hamilton and Broadmeadow stations

Investigate feasibility of underpass or overpass at Adamstown rail crossing

Connect Honeysuckle precinct to Hunter Street via iconic sky bridge

Finish Glendale interchange

Match government’s commitment to complete inner-city bypass

Upgrade CBD bus stops

Extend operation hours of free bus service in CBD