Qld traffic: Gateway, Bruce Highway, Pacific Motorway over Easter long Weekend

Motorists are being warned to avoid the road on specific days and times as thousands hit the road over the Easter long weekend.

Motorists travelling away for the Easter long weekend are being warned to time their trips carefully as thousands of people plan to hit the road.

RACQ Traffic and Engineering Manager Greg Miszkowycz said the suspected busiest times on the major motorways between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast would be Thursday during the afternoon, Good Friday and Easter Monday.

“We expect to see congestion on the Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and on the Gateway and Bruce Highway to the Sunshine Coast as people head away for the Easter long weekend,” Mr Miszkowycz said.

“Our advice is to allow as much time as possible for delays and aim to drive outside of peak hours if you can.

“The peak hours typically fall between midmorning and midafternoon.”

Traffic on the M1 heading south toward the Gold Coast. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Miszkowycz said to keep in mind the roadworks on many of the major roads to factor the delays into travel time.

“Traffic can be frustrating, but we must keep a cool head and not let it get the better of us, and the best way to do that is to leave earlier or travel during off peak times to make sure we’re not stressed about being late,” he said.

This comes days after Queensland Police launched Operation Victor Easter. Police will be conducting targeted operations on highways and roads to reduce fatalities and trauma in the region.

During Easter weekend 2022, one person died, 60 injury crashes were recorded, 3788 traffic infringements were issued and 471 motorists were caught under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said the school holiday periods always see increased traffic on the roads.

“Day or night, ensure you drive to the conditions. Don’t speed or drive affected by drugs or alcohol,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.

“We know that we can significantly reduce fatal crashes if motorists avoid the fatal five behaviours: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and distracted driving.

Originally published as Qld traffic: Gateway, Bruce Highway, Pacific Motorway over Easter long Weekend