Don’t drive into flood waters, no matter how confident you are.
That was the key message from Road Freight NSW boss Simon O’Hara as the wild weather that has battered south-east Queensland smashes the state.
Ballina is today bracing for a “once-in-500-year event” with an evactuation order now in place for low-lying areas, and flooding forces more road closures in north of the state.
“Drive to the conditons and customers should also be aware that there are going to be delays,” said O’Hara.
“It’s going to be inevitable and they need to be mindful of that and employ a degree of empathy, given this situation is beyond everyone’s control.
“Our view is safety comes first so if it means there is a delay with some deliveries because we’re endevouring to be as safe as possible, then that’s just the way it’s got to be.”
Transport for NSW is now advising motorists to avoid non-essential travel as adverse weather and flooding continues affect roads in northern NSW.
The M1 Pacific Motorway is closed northbound between Bangalow and Ewingsdale. Northbound motorists are being diverted off the highway at Bangalow Road in Bangalow to travel north via Hinterland Way.
BANGALOW TO EWINGSDALE: The M1 Pacific Mwy is closed northbound at St Helena Tunnel due to flooding. You’re being diverted onto Hinterland Way before rejoining the M1 at Ewingsdale Int. Delay all non-essential travel.
— Live Traffic NSW (@LiveTrafficNSW) February 28, 2022
At the Ewingsdale Interchange, traffic is being diverted on to Ewingsdale Road towards Byron Bay or southbound on the M1.
Local traffic is being permitted to travel north.
The M1 also remains closed in both directions between Cudgera Creek and Tweed Heads. Avoid the area.
Other major road closures remain in place, including:
- West Ballina to Glenugie: The Pacific Highway is closed in both directions
- Lismore CBD: Roads are closed including Dawson Street and Ballina Road. Motorists should avoid the Lismore CBD
- Lismore to Bangalow: Bangalow Road is closed
- Tenterfield to Mallanganee: The Bruxner Highway is closed
- The Bruxner Highway is also closed between Casino and Tomki.
- Casino to Grafton: Summerland Way is closed
- It is also closed at Fairy Hill and Kyogle.
South Grafton to Clarenza: Big River Way is closed
• It is also closed at Tyndale.
Grafton to Glen Innes: The Gwydir Highway is closed between
Shannon Vale (east of Glen Innes) and Eatonsville (west of Grafton) due to landslides.
Corindi Beach: Solitary Islands Way is closed
Thora to Dorrigo Mountain: Waterfall Way is closed due to a landslide
Many other local roads are closed. Check local council pages and social media sites for updates.
For the latest traffic information, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.