Traffic chaos as Greater Brisbane residents try to get home before lockdown

It’s ugly on Brisbane’s roads as the countdown to lockdown is on and people scramble to get home before the 5pm deadline.

Traffic has come to a standstill across Brisbane as residents try to get home before the 5pm lockdown.

Despite pleas for people not to panic buy, some grocery stores turned into a “bloody madhouse” as news of Monday’s announcement spread.

Congestion has started to build across the city, particularly near COVID-19 testing sites and shopping centres.

Motorists have stopped into drive-through testing sites on their way home. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

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Queensland’s chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young urged people not to leave Brisbane and start their holidays early.

Despite many commuting from both the sunshine and gold coasts each day, it appears that message may not have been heard.

Heavy traffic on the M1 and Bruce Highway has slowed down the commute to both beachside locations.

Would you look at that? Congestion getting very heavy on the Pacific Motorway at the Gateway Merge as people head south ahead of the Greater Brisbane lockdown. Expect delays and remain courteous behind the wheel! Check https://t.co/S318yendfb for the latest. #RACQTrafficAdvicepic.twitter.com/kiq1QhGB6Z

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) March 29, 2021

A multi-vehicle crash on the M1 at Slacks Creek has compounded the already heavy road conditions.

Meanwhile, heading north, things are at a crawl from the Bruce Highway at Deagon all the way through to Caboolture.

Care for side of bumper-to-bumper traffic served with your lockdown?

There's heavy congestion and delays along the Gateway Motorway north bound from Deagon through to the Bruce Highway merge. Be courteous and patient behind the wheel! pic.twitter.com/XNFeGplNYc

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) March 29, 2021

Anyone who has been in the Greater Brisbane region from Saturday, March 20 is required to go into lockdown at their place of origin.

The snap three-day lockdown has thrown Easter plans for millions into chaos as states slam shut the borders to the Queensland capital.

Originally published as Traffic chaos as Greater Brisbane residents try to get home before lockdown