NSW residents told to avoid ‘non-essential travel’ and dozens of roads closed in Victoria

If you’re in most parts of New South Wales or Victoria and thinking about driving somewhere today, you’re being advised to think again.

If you’re in many parts of New South Wales or Victoria and you’re thinking about driving somewhere today, you’re advised to think again.

NSW residents have been told to avoid “non-essential travel” as major roads could close across the state. A number of closures are already in place due to bushfire danger.

It’s unclear at this point just how many roads are closed, but Live Traffic NSW’s live map shows a sea of incidents and road closures stretching the length of the coast.

As residents gear up for New Year’s Day celebrations, Princes Highway has been closed at several locations on the state’s south coast.

Here are some of the latest road changes:

• DOYALSON: Mwy Link Rd remains closed between M1 and Lachlan Rd due to a bush fire. Stay away or use the Wyong or Morisset exits instead.

• BEGA TO GLENBOG: Snowy Mountains Hwy has reopened in both directions between Princes Hwy & Monaro Hwy but slow down as there is smoke in the area. Continue to avoid the area if you do not need to travel.

• The Hume Hwy is now closed in both directions. The diversion currently in place is suitable for both directions and all vehicles. Allow extra travel time.

JERRAWANGALA TO MILTON: Princes Hwy is closed btwn Sussex Inlet Rd and Little Forest Rd due to fires. Avoid the area.

— Live Traffic NSW (@LiveTrafficNSW) December 31, 2019

JERRAWANGALA TO ULLADULLA: Princes Hwy is closed due to fires. Avoid the area.

— Live Traffic NSW (@LiveTrafficNSW) December 30, 2019

Motorists are advised to avoid the Princes Highway. But, in general, Live Traffic NSW says you should avoid “non-essential travel” altogether.

“If you can’t delay your trip, keep checking the latest conditions and be prepared for road closures at short notice,” the service posted on Twitter.

Bushfires in NSW are forcing the closure of roads across the state. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

“Take extreme care and follow emergency services’ directions.”

As of 11am this morning, there are 24 fire “incidents” closing roads across the state.

NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian told reporters this morning: “We need everybody to act as responsibly as possible, as cautiously as possible, and please don’t think you’re the expert. Take the experts’ advice. We don’t want anyone to get in harm’s way.

“Your actions may unintentionally harm so many others. That’s the last thing we want to see today.”

Victoria is also being badly hit with bushfires today with dozens of roads closed across the state.

Due to the fires in East Gippsland, the Princes Highway is closed between Bairnsdale and Genoa.

The fire has also crossed Great Alpine Road at Ensay, with people in the area warned mobile and landline phone coverage could be affected.

For the latest on the bushfires, follow our blog.

There are dozens of road closures across Victoria today. Picture: VicRoads

Meanwhile, there also road closures in Melbourne’s CBD today ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Parts of the CBD, East Melbourne and Southbank will shut down to make way for pedestrians, including Flinders Street, Collins Street, St Kilda Road, Batman Ave and Wellington Parade.

Most road closures begin at 6pm Monday 31 December, with all roads reopening by 3am Tuesday.

“With the huge crowds expected, we suggest people travelling to the city use public transport where possible,” a VicRoads spokesman said.

The same goes for Sydney’s CBD, with road closures planned as tens of thousands of revellers descend on the city.

From 2pm, roads in The Rocks and Circular Qu ay will be closed. From 7pm, major roads north of Liverpool Street will be shut.

From 8.30pm to 9.30pm and 11.30pm to 1.30am Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor (citybound direction only) will be closed.

By 11pm the city is locked down, with all roads north of Goulburn Street closed.

And, from 11pm to 1.30am the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be closed.