Transport for NSW has urged holiday makers to plan ahead and leave extra travel time as increased traffic volumes are expected across NSW during the spring school holidays and as the Labour Day long weekend approaches. Transport for NSW Executive Director Rob Austin said the combined impact of school holidays, the Labour Day long weekend and several major events would result in higher traffic volumes across Greater Sydney and in the regions. “Spring is one of the busiest travel periods on our network as people head to the coast, the mountains or enjoy one of the many major events,” said Mr Austin. “This year, motorists travelling west should take particular care to plan ahead around Lithgow and the Blue Mountains, where the Victoria Pass closure on Great Western Highway means traffic is being diverted via Darling Causeway and Chifley Road. Travellers catching a flight from Sydney Airport should allow plenty of extra travel time and consider taking the train to avoid traffic around the terminals. Those who must drive and plan to leave their car at the airport are advised to pre-book parking ahead of time. “We are expecting busy days as traffic leaving Sydney builds on Friday and Saturday for the Spring school holidays,” Mr Austin added. “In good news for people heading north along the coast the newly opened M1 Pacific Highway extension to Raymond Terrace is now open, avoiding the usual holiday traffic crawl through Hexham and Heatherbrae.” “The long weekend will see traffic build again on Friday 2 and Monday 5 October at known pinch points including M1 Pacific Motorway, Great Western Highway, Hume Highway and Princes Highway. “We will be monitoring traffic at known pinch points in Regional NSW including Coffs Harbour, Blackheath, Lithgow, Nowra and Jervis Bay and managing congestion as required, but motorists should still be patient and prepare for delays.” Increased congestion is expected at a number of locations over the long weekend with major events in all directions. Take your time if you are heading to any of these major events. • Koori Knockout, Raymond Terrace, Friday 2 to Monday 5 October • Yours and Owls Music Festival, Wollongong, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October. • NRL and NRLW grand finals, Sydney, Sunday 4 October ‘We understand delays can be frustrating, but arriving safely is always more important than arriving quickly. Drive to the conditions, obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone gets home safely.’ said Mr Austin. Tragically 254 people have lost their lives on NSW roads in 2026.
