Abandoned NH15/NR1 Duplex
South of Hexham, NSW

During 1982-83, the Department of Main Roads proposed to extend National Highway 15 from its then southern terminus at Hexham to at least the Hawkesbury River, most likely to Hornsby. This was to be achieved via a significant duplex with National Route 1 (which at the time was the F3, Peats Ridge Rd and the Pacific Hwy north of Ourimbah). I suggest the reasoning behind this proposal is that it would provide continuity in numbering with the Sydney-Brisbane Link of the National Highway system, matching QLD's effort of swapping NH15 & NR42 around north of Warwick.
The duplex was shortlived, never being signposted anywhere other than on the Kangy Angy-Wallarah Creek section fo the F3 Freeway which opened in December 1983, around the time that this duplex was proposed. Perhaps the DMR decided that the expense of changing the signs outweighed any navigational benefits. All the signs showing the duplex were coverplated not long after installation and if it wasn't for 2 coverplates being removed/stolen from AD signs on the Hue Hue Rd no-one would have ever known about this proposal.
It ca be assumed that the National Highway 15 designation would have been moved onto new sections of freeway as they opened, possibly leaving National Route 1 to go through Newcastle. This proposal is a throwback to they 1950's when an improved route to the New England Hwy at Singleton via Wollombi was on the cards. This link, which would have joined the F3 near Mt White, would have most likely taken the NH15 shield off the New England Hwy through Maitland.
Interestingly enough, the duplex was never signposted on Motorway Link, the 7km super-2 expressway constructed as part of the Kangy Angy-Doyalson stage and opened at the same time.

Look below for photos of signs showing the abandoned duplex or showing coverplates over the abandoned duplex.

Photos of the abandoned NH15/NR1 duplex
	Hue Hue Rd northbound approaching Sparks Rd near the Warnervale Interchange. This is one of the two signs that has had its coverplate removed/stolen recently, exposing the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.
	Hue Hue Rd again, this time approaching Sparks Rd southbound. This is the other sign that has recently had its coverplate removed/stolen. Photo taken October 2004.
	Wyong Rd westbound approaching the Tuggerah Interchange. Note the freeway green background with coverplates over the abandoned duplex. Also note 'Gosford' on a standard green coverplate. Photo taken October 2004.
	Old Maitland Rd southbound 2km from the Tuggerah Interchange. Note the unique-to-this-stage-of-the-F3 'Freeway Junction' AD sign with coverplate over the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.
	Old Maitland Rd southbound again, this time 1km from the Tuggerah Interchange. Again the coverplate covers the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.
	Cobbs Rd (changes name from Old Maitland Rd) eastbound approaching the Tuggerah Interchange. Again the coverplate covers the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.
	Sparks Rd eastbound approaching the Warnervale Interchange. Again the coverplate covers the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.
	Hue Hue Rd northbound at Sparks Rd, Jilliby. Again the coverplate covers the abandoned duplex. Also note the standard green painted 'Toukley' ID sign. Photo taken October 2004.
	Hue Hue Rd southbound at Sparks Rd, Jilliby. Again the coverplate covers the abandoned duplex. Also note the standard green painted 'Toukley' ID sign. Photo taken October 2004.
	Sparks Rd westbound, 2km from the Warnervale Interchange. Note the coverplate over the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.
	Sparks Rd westbound at the Warnervale Interchange. Photo taken October 2004.
	Wyee Rd (former State Route 82) southbound the northern end of Hue Hue Rd, Wyee. Prior to the construction of the freeway, Sydney traffic used SR82 then the Pacific Hwy through Wyong. These signs were installed to guide traffic to the freeway when the Sparks Rd interchange opened in 1986. Photo taken Octoner 2004.
	Wyee Rd southbound again approaching Hue Hue Rd in Wyee. Note the old SR82 shield and the coverplate over the abandoned duplex. Photo taken October 2004.

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