MEDIA RELEASE
14 December 2009
PLAN AHEAD AND TAKE CARE WHILE DRIVING
SOUTH 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 NSW roads this Christmas and New Year holiday
period.
An RTA spokesperson said traffic increases significantly during the busy Christmas school
holidays, especially on major roads. Traffic on the Princes Highway can double, while
traffic on parts of the Kings Highway can increase by about 140 per cent.
“We all know the holiday period over Christmas and New Year is a busy time on NSW
roads,” the spokesperson said.
“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
minimum during the main holiday period.
“While work sites will be closed, there are still major projects taking place on the Princes
Highway and Kings Highway during the holidays. Short delays and some lane closures
can still be expected on the Princes Highway at Conjola as the $58 million upgrade nears
completion.
Motorists are urged to follow all road signs, including work site speed limits, for the safety
of everyone on the road,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the recent completion of the $120 million upgrade of the Princes
Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore would significantly improve conditions for
motorists heading south for the holidays.
“The recent opening of the four lanes on the Princes Highway between Oak Flats and
Dunmore will help get people moving this year.”
“This key project links the Oak Flats interchange to the North Kiama Bypass, completing
the final link to provide a high standard four lane highway from Sydney to the south of
Kiama.”
The spokesperson said the $26 million upgrade of the Kings Highway – jointly funded by
the State and Federal Governments – would also have benefits for motorists.
“The recent upgrades to the Kings Highway, including improvements to the intersections at
The Ridgeway, Captain Flats Road and Weetalabah Drive, means motorists travelling this
route can now enjoy better driving conditions, with improved road safety, better traffic flow
and more opportunities for overtaking and reduced queuing at intersections.
“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.
“Full details of road closures, safety tips and rest areas are available from the RTA website
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999
NEWS 
