MEDIA RELEASE
14 December 2009
PLAN AHEAD AND TAKE CARE WHILE DRIVING
IN WESTERN NSW THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Motorists are being urged to plan ahead, take extra care while driving and ensure vehicles
are in safe condition before travelling in Western NSW this Christmas and New Year
holiday period.
An RTA spokesperson said traffic increases by up to 50 per cent during the busy
Christmas school holidays, especially on major roads like the Great Western Highway.
“We all know the holiday period over Christmas and New Year is a busy time on NSW
roads,” the spokesperson said.
“The Newell Highway is NSW’s longest highway, running from the Queensland border to
the Victorian border. Lots of motorists use the highway during the holidays.
“Take care, obey the road rules, drive safely and have regular breaks if you are planning to
travel long distances.”
The spokesperson said to ensure the safety of motorists, major road work would be kept to
a minimum.
“Most work on the Newell Highway will be suspended between 25 December and 17
January.
“Work at Mungle Creek 85 km north of Moree will also be suspended from 17 December to
11 January.
“Traffic delays are also expected from Friday 18 December through to Monday 4 January
at several locations along the Pacific Highway including Bulahdelah, Kew, Kempsey,
Macksville, Coffs Harbour and Ballina.
“Traffic volumes on all major highways are expected to be at their highest on Friday 25,
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 December.
“Motorists are urged to plan their trips and take a break every two hours, making use of the
more than 1400 rest areas and driver reviver sites across the state,” the spokesperson
said.
There are also a range of road closures and special event clearways associated with
Christmas and preparation for New Year’s Eve as well as removal of festive season
decorations after the events.
The spokesperson said in Sydney there will be a number of events which will impact on
traffic.
“For full details of road closures, safety tips and rest areas are available from the RTA
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999
NEWS 
