Long delays and heavy traffic as QLD border reopens to most of NSW

Congestion is building at the Queensland border on Tuesday morning with police warning of hour-long delays as the state opens to millions of people from regional NSW.

Peak hour delays are starting to build at the QLD and NSW border on Tuesday morning, as the Sunshine State opens its borders to the majority of NSW.

While police on Monday predicted “big volumes” and hour-long delays for the larger reopening, they were unable to confirm exactly how long it would take to get through border checkpoints.

People have been told to “be patient”.

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Those looking to cross the border on Tuesday have been told to have a “General Declaration Pass (G Pass)” ready to present at the border checkpoint to ensure quick travel.

Traffic is starting to build at the border. Pack your patience and have your border pass ready. #GCTraffic #QldTraffic pic.twitter.com/yX2QfvU9ik

— RACQ (@RACQOfficial) November 2, 2020

Talking about the predicted delays yesterday, Gold Coast police Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler referred to the last time Queensland partially opened the border to most of NSW in July.

“There were increased delays and inconvenience … unfortunately this is a law of numbers,” he said.

“Hour-long delays should be expected.”

Peak hour delays are starting to build at the QLD/NSW border this morning, as most of the southern state becomes open to Queensland.

A police spokesman did confirm the major delays this morning, but could not provide an estimated travel time across the border.

“It’s a lot of people trying to come through, it might be best to avoid the area for a few hours,” the spokesman said.

“People have to be patient.”

District Chief Superintendent Wheeler is scheduled to front questions about the border on Tuesday morning.