Although water levels are receding in some areas, Transport for NSW is again advising motorists to avoid all non-essential travel today as the relentless storm cell continues to impact roads in the state.
Earlier this morning TfNSW announced that Failford Road has closed in both directions between The Lakes Way and Pacific Highway at Failford, south of Taree.
Other major road closures remain in place, including:
Casino to South Lismore: The Bruxner Highway is closed in both directions. It is also closed between Tenterfield and Mallanganee and between West Ballina and Uralba.
Cudgera Creek to Tweed Heads: the M1 Pacific Motorway is closed in both directions.
Bangalow to Ewingsdale: all northbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway are closed. Northbound traffic is being diverted onto Hinterland Way to Ewingsdale to travel towards Byron Bay or turnaround. Only local traffic is allowed north of Ewingsdale.
Glenugie to Cumbalum: the Pacific Highway is closed in both directions.
Lismore CBD: Roads are closed including Dawson Street and Ballina Road.
Lismore to Bangalow: Bangalow Road is closed.
Grafton to Casino: Summerland Way is closed. Summerland Way is also closed at Fairy Hill.
South Grafton to Clarenza: Big River Way is closed. Big River Way is also closed at Tyndale.
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, with motorists urged to check local council pages and social media sites for updates.
In a message to members yesterday, Road Freight NSW CEO Simon O’Hara also highlighted the need for caution amongst truckies with wild weather forecast to hit the Greater Sydney region.
“Some of our national carriers are reporting that some staff are at work, or at home and some are cleaning up from flood affected areas,” he said.
“We expect this trend to be in place for this week and perhaps next week.
With Ballina appearing to be experiencing a “once in 500 year flood event” he also outlined some advice that operators may wish to keep in mind as this system moves down the NSW coast to Greater Sydney and beyond:
1. If its flooded forget it. Roads have experienced significant rainfall to date and this prolonged rain means that some roads may not be what you expect given you cannot see the road due to flooding. The road may be washed away and impassable. Be cautious about travelling on unsealed roads even if directed.
2. Particularly for long haul truckies, please consider whether it might be appropriate to have water and some food in your cabin for worse case scenarios. Some operators are reporting that some of their truckies have been flooded in place since last week. And, we are starting to see empty shelves in parts of rural Queensland and Brisbane for some items.
3. We have had reports of some customers re-opening for business in flood affected areas and loads being sent out but being turned around by NSW Police 300 metres from their destination due to road closures. Please keep an eye on road closures and check with the customer and potentially the local council as to whether access is available. Some road closures are happening quickly and may not be appearing on LiveTraffic straightaway.
4. Drive to the conditions and be extra vigilant for light vehicle drivers. This morning on ABC radio I counselled light vehicle drivers in flood affected areas to be prudent and not to drive in flood waters or as they would in normal conditions.
5. It may be prudent to take longer to pre-journey check your vehicle before commencing a journey if the load is heading to flood affected areas or the truck has been in those flood affected areas.
For the latest traffic information, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.