ROADS A FOCUS THIS EASTER

Repairs to the NSW road network from last year’s extreme weather have leapt forward, as road users are reminded to plan ahead and take care over the Easter long weekend, which kicks off the school holidays.

Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Coordination Roger Weeks said it will be a smoother journey than the previous holiday period, motorists should still drive with caution when heading to the regions.

“Our regions are ready to welcome visitors back and the Easter long weekend is a great time to do that, but it’s also one of the busiest on our roads. A huge amount of work has been done following the 2022 rainfall events, with around 3,000km of state roads repaired since February last year,” Mr Weeks said.

“Since the last holiday period over Christmas, almost 25,000 potholes have been repaired on state roads across NSW, which takes the total since the first wave of severe weather in February last year to more than 234,000.

“But the road to recovery isn’t over yet, with repairs still underway on sections of the Cobb Highway, Newell Highway, Mitchell Highway and Oxley Highway in regional NSW.

“We’re urging motorists to allow extra travel time, check for road closures, and always follow the road rules and drive to conditions.”

Mr Weeks said with the school holidays book-ended by the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends, heavy traffic is expected.

“Historical data shows us there’ll be delays entering and leaving Sydney via the Hume Highway and Princes Highway to the south, Great Western Highway to the west and Pacific Highway, M1 Pacific Motorway and NorthConnex to the north,” Mr Weeks said.

“Other pinch points around NSW are typically in holiday hotspots such as Coffs Harbour, Hexham, Blackheath, Nowra, Jervis Bay and Milton and Ulladulla. Traffic may bank up around Sydney Airport, so please allow plenty of extra time if you have a flight to catch.

“Peak traffic movements and congestion over this holiday period typically start building from Thursday morning. This weekend, we expect to see heavy traffic on the public holidays of Good Friday 7 April and Easter Monday 10 April, as people head to and from their holiday destinations.”

Some essential maintenance work will also be taking place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge across the Easter long weekend.

Further, reckless drivers will be the focus of this long weekend’s traffic operation, as police prepare to keep the roads safe this Easter.

NSW Police will launch Operation Easter 2023 – a highly-visible police traffic operation focussing on reducing road fatalities and trauma this holiday weekend.

The five-day operation began at 12.01am today and run until 11:59pm on Monday 10 April 2023, with double demerits in place throughout. The operation will specifically target the major factors contributing to road trauma; being excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, non-wearing of seatbelts and helmets, and mobile phone use.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said substantial police resources have been assigned to the operation as road trauma remains a matter of significant concern.

“This Easter, our officers will be out and about doing their best to keep the roads safe so that everyone can arrive to their destinations in time for a wonderful weekend with loved ones.

“The message is simple; drive to the speed limit, focus on the road –not your phone, and make sure you have a plan B if you are drinking.

“For the last two years, we’ve seen seven fatalities on the road each Easter long weekend. The goal this year is to reduce that number,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said.

Transport for NSW Head of Transport Safety Peter Dunphy said there are simple steps everyone can take to make sure we all arrive safely to our destinations this long weekend.

“If you are driving this long weekend, even if it’s a short trip, give yourself plenty of travel time, wear your seatbelt or helmet if you’re on a motorbike, stay under the speed limit, put your phone away and never drink or drug drive,” Mr Dunphy said.

“Please remember that Thursday (6 April) is a school day and there will still be kids around, so school zones will be active so make sure you slow down and take extra care around schools.”

Please check the latest traffic updates by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com or calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.