Clip description

A map outlines the different road and ferry connections that have linked Sydney and the industrial centre of Newcastle, to the city’s north. These include the 1820 Old Putty Road, the 1844 St Albans Route and the Wisemans Ferry-Spencer deviation. In an effort to reduce congested traffic along the Pacific Highway, the DMR introduced climbing lanes, improved visibility and added a new section of road bypassing Gosford. A map of the planned expressway between Sydney and Newcastle illustrates the solution anticipated to address traffic growth in the region.

Curator’s notes

This clip is from the opening minutes of the film and sets the scene for the planned expressway by detailing both the historical context and the postwar growth that has led to the need for an improved traffic route between the two cities.

The sprightly instrumental soundtrack is typical of sponsored films of the period. In some scenes it makes for an odd contrast with the images of heavy-duty construction work (see clip two).