Holiday Traffic Hot Spots

TODAY is one of the busiest days for traffic on the New England Highway as people get away for the Easter break.

Police will begin operation Tortoise at midnight tonight targeting speeding, mobile phone, seat-belt and motorcycle helmet offences with double demerits running through until midnight on Monday and beginning again Tuesday at midnight for the ANZAC holiday until Sunday at midnight.

The RMS have published a list of traffic hot spots and alternative road options to help people better plan their trip: Holiday Journeys.

Anna Andrews, director of regional operations for the RMS said with hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers on the road it was important to plan ahead and drive safely.

“With traffic spikes expected during the Easter holidays, we are encouraging motorists to plan ahead and avoid delays,” Ms Andrews said.

“Whether you’re coming from Sydney or regional NSW, or inter-state, please check out our holiday journeys webpage for information about traffic hotspots and alternative road options that may provide a smoother journey.

“We’ve used a combination of traffic data from previous years and predictive analytics to help motorists better understand what to expect on their journeys.”

“We will also have Roads and Maritime staff set up at the northbound and southbound Warnervale Service Centres ahead of known hotspots and delay points to give real time traffic information, return journey details, safety tips and support to travellers.”

Motorists are encouraged to check: LiveTraffic before their trip and expect delays in the following areas:

Hexham

• Northbound on Thursday 18 April, with delays up to 20 minutes expected between 6am and 10am, up to 15 minutes between 12pm and 3pm, and up to 10 minutes between 3pm and 6pm.
• Southbound on Monday 22 April, with peak delays of up to 35 minutes expected between 12pm and 3pm, and up to 20 minutes between 3pm and 6pm.

 Nelson Bay Road at Salt Ash

• Nelson Bay Road southbound on Monday 22 April, with delays of up to 20 minutes expected between 10am and 12pm, and up to 10 minutes between 12pm and 3pm.

Motorists can seek support from Roads and Maritime staff at the following location

Warnervale Service Centre, M1Pacific Motorway

• On the northbound road
  Thursday 18 April between 1pm and 5pm
  Monday 22 April between 11am and 4pm

• On the southbound road
  Friday 19 April between 8am and 1pm
  Monday 22 April between 11am and 5pm