Motorists are already being encouraged to plan their trip and allow extra travel time on the Pacific Highway at Hexham during the Christmas-New Year period.
The warning comes as Transport for NSW (TfNSW) anticipates high traffic volumes and interruptions throughout the Hunter over the next month.
The M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and the Pacific Highway at Hexham remain linked via John Renshaw Drive and the New England Highway, forming a major north-south route.
As a known “pinch point”, the busiest days for northbound traffic are predicted to be Saturday 27 December and Sunday 28 December.
“Road-users can expect delays of up to 30 minutes,” TfNSW spokesperson Mitchell McMillan said.
“Those heading south will experience something similar, possibly 45 minutes, on Fridays 2, 9 and 16 January.
“We’re all aware of the heavy summer holiday congestion on the Pacific Highway.
“So, plan your trip and arrive safely at your destination.
“If you have any concerns, visit Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information.”
Significant improvements have been made on the M1 Pacific Motorway and New England Highway in the past 12 months, with noticeable changes in traffic flow.
However, speed limits remain reduced over the holiday period, even when work is paused for motorist safety.
Conditions may include narrow lanes, changed merges and altered traffic configurations.
Meanwhile, work on the Hexham Straight Widening, M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace, and Rankin Park to Jesmond projects will pause from Friday 19 December and resume Monday 5 January.
NSW Police will also enforce double demerit points for speeding, motorcycle helmet, seatbelt and mobile phone offences from Wednesday 24 December to Sunday 4 January.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience during this time,” Mr McMillan said.
For further details about predicted delays at Hexham and other known traffic pinch points, visit the NSW Holiday and Journey planning website.
Swansea Bridge on Pacific Highway
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Pacific Highway for essential maintenance on Swansea Bridge.
Work, including repairs to the kerb and deck, is being carried out on the southbound bridge on Monday 15 December from 7pm to 5am for one night.
It’ll be temporarily closed to all traffic.
The northbound bridge will remain open at all times, operating with one lane in each direction.
Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h is in place for the safety of workers and motorists.
The bridge will not be open to marine traffic during the night shift.
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