The Latest Breaking News from Sam Farraway

The bypass would divert freight trains away from the Adamstown and Islington level crossings.

Potholes, washouts and other road damage costing billions of dollars to repair could be reduced, according to a researcher who says maintenance methods must be revised in the face of more extreme weather events.

Mayors in country NSW are calling on the state and federal governments to fund urgent works after floods and heavy rain cause $2.5 billion in road damage.

New South Wales drivers are calling for flooded local roads to be added to the Live Traffic app amid road safety concerns and confusion.

"This money is only for six or 12 months, and it's just to fill potholes," Mr Farraway said.

Cash to help cover the cost of filling up the tank or catching public transport to campus.

"A literal drop in the pothole" is how Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal has described the state government's $50 million kitty to fix local roads.

The NSW government says some of the state's prisons are sub-standard but blocked UN inspectors should visit countries not signed up to international protocols.

Warning signs at mobile speed camera locations are coming back - almost two years after the government took them away.

"We thank residents, business and road users for their patience and support during this work."

MORNING BRIEFING: The rail union says trains will run to an enhanced weekend timetable while members consider the legal deed presented by the state government, while NSW starts to defrost after a cold snap. It will be yet another day of disruption across Sydney's rail network, with reduced services across…