MEDIA RELEASE
15 December 2009
PLAN AHEAD AND TAKE CARE WHILE DRIVING
ON THE PACIFIC HIGHWAY THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Motorists are being urged to plan ahead, take extra care while driving and ensure
vehicles are in safe condition before travelling on the Pacific Highway 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 Pacific Highway.
“We all know the holiday period between Christmas and New Year is a busy time on
the Pacific Highway,” the spokesperson said.
“Major construction activity is taking place at Ballina and on the Coopernook to
Herons Creek upgrade.
“While construction sites are being closed down during the holiday period, motorists
are reminded for their own and others’ safety that highway conditions may have
changed since the last time they travelled on the highway and to observe all signage
including speed limits.
“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, road work would be kept to
minimum.
“To help reduce traffic congestion, all project construction work on the Pacific
Highway will progressively close down over the Christmas period from 18 December
with work to resume progressively from 4 January 2010.” the spokesperson said.
The RTA will have in place a holiday traffic management plan to manage the
expected additional holiday traffic
“Traffic volumes on all major highways are expected to be at their highest on Friday
25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 December.
“With increasing numbers choosing to holiday on the North Coast, the RTA advises
drivers that delays are expected along the highway, particularly at Bulahdelah, Kew,
Kempsey, Macksville, Coffs Harbour and Ballina.
“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.
“For full details of road closures, safety tips and rest areas are available from the
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999
NEWS 
