Heavy traffic, long delays expected across NSW ahead of public holiday

Commuters have been warned of heavy traffic and lengthy delays as Thursday’s public holiday coincides with major events and school holidays.

NSW’s peak transport agency has warned commuters heavy traffic and long delays await them this week, with Thursday’s public holiday to exacerbate existing travel dramas.

Drivers have been urged to take a couple of extra minutes to plan their trip in advance, avoid leaving during peak times and consider alternative routes or modes of transport.

It comes ahead of the National Day of Mourning public holiday this Thursday for Queen Elizabeth II and school holidays beginning on Saturday.

Transport for NSW executive director customer management Roger Weeks said doing this could help stop lengthy delays caused by major events and holiday traffic.

“It’s great to see people travelling around NSW this holiday break, but with this we expect to see congestion on some of our major routes, and the traffic is likely to build earlier than usual due to Thursday being a public holiday,” he said.

Motorists will be out on the road in NSW due to Thursday’s public holiday and school holidays beginning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

North of Sydney, Transport for NSW expects pinch points along the M1 Pacific Motorway at Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay Rd and the Pacific Motorway at Coffs Harbour.

With holidaymakers heading to the south coast, heavy traffic is predicted on the Princes Highway around Wollongong, Nowra, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, and eastbound along the Kings Highway at Braidwood.

Other major routes out of Sydney that are expected to be impacted include the Great Western Highway at Blackheath and Hume Highway at Pheasants Nest.

Traffic around Sydney Airport, especially the domestic terminal, is expected to be heavy. There are traffic changes in place on several roads approaching the airport due to construction on the Sydney Gateway.

Road closures will be in place on Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Helensburgh and Bulli on Saturday and Sunday for the UCI Road Cycling World Championships.

People heading to the Royal National Park at Stanwell Tops have also been advised to use the northern access points at Loftus and Waterfall.

There are a number of factors driving increased traffic in various areas across NSW. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Drivers have also been reminded that double demerits will be in force from 12am on Wednesday until 11.59pm on Sunday.

Transport for NSW deputy secretary for safety, environment and regulation Tara McCarthy said it was important for people to take care on the road during the increased traffic.

“Although this is a sombre occasion, there is still likely to be more people out on the roads over the next few days and over the weekend with the school term ending on Friday, so it is important we all take extra care,” she said.

“The last thing we want to see over this period is an increase in road trauma, which is why double-demerits will be in place like they would for any other public holiday to deter people from doing the wrong thing and putting lives at risk.

Police will be out in force during the double demerits period. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

“Drivers are reminded that this period includes some school days and it is especially important to slow down and take care in school zones at school times – even if you cannot see children near the road.”

Double demerits will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said police will be deployed all over the state to enforce those rules, as well as monitor for high-risk driver behaviour like drink and dangerous driving.

“As always, our focus remains the safety of the community across the state, and we want everyone to reach their destinations safely and without tragedy,” he said.

“Our message is to take your time, drive to the weather conditions and respect other road users.”