Brisbane traffic: Long delays expected on Bruce Hwy and Pacific Mwy

The Easter exodus traffic nightmare has begun with lane closures and long delays on the Bruce Hwy after a car exploded into flames just north of Brisbane.

Traffic has remained bumper to bumper on major arterials in parts of the South East as holidaymakers crawl home following the Easter long weekend.

Queensland Traffic urged motorists to show patience with southbound lanes affected from the Sunshine Motorway merge at Tanawha to Burpengary.

Long delays had been predicted as motorists returned home for the start of term two on Tuesday.

Earlier, the RACQ said it was expected to peak this afternoon with “tens of thousands” of motorists on the roads.

One lane is blocked on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary and southbound traffic is at a standstill following a car fire. Picture: Rashelle Leahy

An earlier car fire at Burpengary also added to the delays caused by the Easter long weekend exodus.

The car exploded into flames at Burpengary near the Station Rd intersection about 10.30am, forcing emergency services to close one southbound lane.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said one crew responded and had the fire under control by 10.50am.

Photos from the scene indicated the white hatchback sustained major damage with flames engulfing much of the engine.

The spokesman did not know the cause of the blaze.

RACQ has reported one lane of the Bruce Highway was blocked and southbound traffic reduced to a standstill.

One lane is blocked on the Bruce Highway at #Burpengary and southbound traffic is at a standstill due to a car fire. Please avoid the area if possible. #BneTrafficpic.twitter.com/ihpSz3AiGT

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) April 18, 2022

It comes after RACQ has warned motorists to plan ahead on when heading home on the typical crawls like the Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway and M1.

RACQ’s head of public policy Susan Furze said the holiday periods were traditionally high-risk times for crashes given the volume of motorists.

Easter holiday traffic heading south towards Brisbane on the Bruce Highway at Beerburrum. Picture: Brad Fleet

“This afternoon we expect there to be plenty of traffic on the roads as families return home from Easter holidays,” Ms Furze said.

“We’re urging drivers to pack their patience, allow extra travel time and put the safety of themselves and others on the road first.”

Ms Furze said it was vital to plan ahead and take a break every two hours.

The current travel time from Maroochydore to North Brisbane is an hour and 20 minutes while it’s a similar run from the Gold Coast to Brisbane.

Queensland Traffic reported traffic delays on the Sunshine Coast from congestion in both lanes from the Sunshine Motorway to Bells Creek.