Drivers in NSW told to avoid numerous roads and highways on last weekend before Christmas

Road closures caused by the ongoing bushfire crisis in NSW will continue to affect motorists ahead of a busy weekend for holiday drivers.

Numerous roads remain closed in NSW as the ongoing bushfire emergency continues across the state.

As many workers wrap up for the year today on the final Friday before Christmas, the state government is working to control dozens of out of control bushfires that continue to burn throughout the state. A state of emergency has been declared in NSW, that will continue through to Boxing Day, and fires continue to affect various parts of the state, including numerous roads and highways.

Today there are 17 fire-related hazards or major events for drivers to look out for, stretching across the state.

Numerous roads are closed around NSW due to bushfire activity. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

In the Southern Highlands at Colo Vale to Couridjah, Wilson Drive and West Parade has been closed between Church Ave and the Bargo River due to bushfires in the area. Also closed is Remembrance Drive, the Old Hume Highway and Bargo River Road. Live Traffic NSW advised that many local roads in the area have also been closed, and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Nearby, the road from High Range to Taralga has also been closed due to fires.

Wombeyan Caves Road and Taralga Road between High Range Lane and Hillas Street has also been closed in both directions.

Residents may be permitted access at the discretion of emergency services.

Road closures between the Southern Tablelands and South Coast. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

Three separate roads in the Southern Tablelands leading to the NSW South Coast remain closed today due to ongoing bushfire activity in the area.

Motorists travelling between Jerrawangala to Charleyong should be advised that Braidwood Road and Nerriga Road between Turpentine Road and Stewarts Crossing Road has been closed in both directions. Motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Nearby, the Kings Highway between Braidwood and Nelligen between Narranghi Road and Reid Street has also been closed until further notice. Drivers can take the Snowy Mountains Highway though Bega and Cooma as alternative routes.

Also nearby, Araluen Road is not impacted by fires, but has been closed, after being deemed unsafe, and drivers should be aware it is not a suitable path for a detour.

Road closures in the Blue Mountains area. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

Here are some more photos of the the @BlueMountainsBG former conifer collection. Sad to see it gone, but just a chance to replant and update it with a new collection. Thanks to @GregBourke3 the Hort team and RFS for keeping the fire out of the Depot. pic.twitter.com/4dWoNFDSQj

— Jimmy Turner (@TexanInOz) December 19, 2019

At Blackmans Flat, between Bathurst and Lithgow, the Castlereagh Highway has been closed between Boulder Road and Carsons Siding Road (Portland Cullen Bullen Rd).

Roads around the town of Bell in the Blue Mountains are also affected today.

The Darling Causeway, between Bells Line of Road and Station Street also remains closed.

Chifley Road between Bells Line of Road and Hartley Vale Road are also closed. Bells Line of Road between Val Wheeler Drive and Darling Causeway, through to Kurrajong Heights, has also been closed. Drivers are urged to use caution and avoid the area. The Great Western Highway can be used as an alternative. Local residents may be allowed access at the discretion of emergency services.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens has also been closed.

Jenolan Caves Road and Edith Road in Jenolan in the Blue Mountains, remains closed today between Duckmaloi Road and Shooters Hill Road, from Hampton to Oberon.

Jenolan Caves has been closed until at least Sunday, December 22 and the Kanangra-Boyd National Park has been closed until further notice.

The Oxley Highway has been closed between Kangaroo Flat Road and Mount Seaview, affecting drivers travelling from Yarrowtich in the Northern Tablelands to Mount Seaview.

In Wisemans Ferry to the north west of Sydney, a number of roads have been affected by fires. Drivers are urged to stay away and take alternate routes.

The Great Northern Road, Wollombi Road and St Albans Road remain closed today in both directions, affecting drivers travelling between Bucketty and Wisemans Ferry.

Settlers Road between Wisemans Ferry Road and Wollombi Road.

The Webbs Creek Ferry and Wisemans Ferry are still operating. Local residents may be given access at the discretion of emergency services.

Motorists travelling from Putty to Milbrodale on Putty Road should be advised this road has been closed in both directions, between Long Weeney Creek Trail and Milbrodale Road.

Colo Heights Road has also been closed between Putty Road and Upper Colo Road. Motorists are urged to stay away and take an alternate route.

A diversion is in place on the M1 Pacific Motorway, according to Live Traffic NSW.

Roads around Wollombi in the Hunter Region have been closed, including Paynes Crossing Road between the towns of Broke and Wollombi due to bushfires. Stockyard Creek Road has also been closed in Paynes Crossing, as well as Yango Creek Road. Drivers are advised to stay away from the area.

Nymboida to Billys Creek - Armidale Road between Boundary Creek Road AND Wiriri Road Lanes:Road closed in both dire... https://t.co/1S9QiAhwED

— Snarl NSW (@snarlnsw) December 19, 2019

In the Nymboida area, a road and highway remain closed today.

The Gwydir Highway is closed from Jackadgery to Glen Elgin via the Gibraltar Range. The road is closed between Murphys Road and Camp Road.

Armidale Road is also closed between Boundary Creek Road and Wiriri Road, affecting drivers travelling between Nymboida and Billys Creek.

TABULAM TO LOWER DUCK CREEK: Hootens Rd and Paddys Flat Rd are closed in both directions between Clarence Way and the Bruxner Hwy due to bushfires. Avoid the area.

— Live Traffic NSW (@LiveTrafficNSW) December 18, 2019

In the state’s far north east, drivers travelling from the rural village of Tabulam to Lower Duck Creek should be advised that Hootens Rd and Paddys Flat Rd between Clarence Way and Bruxner Highway remains closed today.