Brisbane traffic: Congestion on Bruce Highway and M1 as holidays wrap up

Heavy congestion caused significant delays on the Bruce Hwy and Pacific Mwy on Monday as holidaymakers returned home.

Motorists are being warned of major delays on Queensland roads today as the holiday exodus begins.

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Heavy congestion caused significant delays on the Bruce Hwy and Pacific Mwy on Monday as holidaymakers returned home.

As of 4.30pm, there remained heavy congestion on the Bruce Hwy from Beerburrum to Burpengary but earlier heavy traffic had eased between Elimbah and Burpengary with no significant delays.

Earlier traffic between Pimpama and Helensvale had cleared.

Traffic had also eased from Beerwah to Caboolture, now only causing a 10-minute delay.

On the M1, southbound traffic had also cleared, with only an eight-minute delay expected between Mudgeraba and Currumbin

Earlier in the day there were stretches up to 40km of heavy congestion and delays totalling an hour.

Traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway and Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the coasts. Please be patient and courteous if you're on the roads and allow extra travel time. Try avoid the rush by travelling outside of peak times (10am - mid afternoon). #qldtrafficpic.twitter.com/7SFA0w8REv

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) January 2, 2023

RACQ head of public policy Michael Kane had said traffic delays began on some of South East Queensland’s major arterial roads as early as mid-morning.

“We’re seeing congestion on the Pacific Motorway Brisbane and the Gold Coast and Bruce Highway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Kane said Monday morning.

“Our advice is to allow as much time as you can – and pack your patience.

“Those hitting the road today should try and avoid the rush by travelling outside of peak times, which typically fall between midmorning and midafternoon.”

Motorists can expect to encounter more police on the roads in the wake of the state recording its worst road toll since 2009.

Last year 299 people lost their lives on Queensland roads.

Police in response have pledged to roll out more roadside breath tests and speed cameras in a bid to get the road toll down.