Australians planning domestic road trips this summer holiday season should brace for significant traffic disruptions, with major roadworks and infrastructure projects scheduled across the country.
The December–January period, which typically sees a reduction in commuter traffic, is often chosen by state authorities as an optimal time for essential road maintenance and upgrades.
In addition to major road closures, double-demerits also apply until January 1, 2025 in New South Wales.
Victoria
Victoria is set to experience some of the most extensive holiday road closures, with key routes in and around Melbourne heavily impacted:
• West Gate Bridge: Citybound lanes will be closed from December 26, 2024 to January 4, 2025 for annual maintenance works, with delays of up to 30 minutes expected.
• West Gate Freeway between Millers Road and West Gate Bridge: Ramp and lane closures from January 6 to March 8, 2025
• M80 Ring Road and M1 Freeway: Multiple lane and ramp closures due to ongoing upgrade works.
• Great Ocean Road: Ongoing roadworks, expect delays.
Drivers heading to Melbourne Airport should also factor in potential delays of up to an hour due to the construction of a new entry ramp.
New South Wales
In Sydney, the iconic Harbour Bridge will be completely closed to traffic in both directions from 11pm on December 31, 2024 to facilitate the New Year's Eve fireworks celebrations.
Other notable NSW closures include:
• Mulgoa Road at the M4 interchange in Penrith: Entry and exit ramps closed from January 2-24, 2025
• Princes Highway, Hume Highway, Great Western Highway, Kings Highway: High traffic volumes and delays expected due to holiday "pinch points".
View Live Traffic information here
Queensland
Southeast Queensland's busy M1 Pacific Motorway will have reduced speed limits and some lane closures in place between Burleigh Heads and Tugun, as well as from Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill. The Exit 49 interchange is also undergoing works.
On the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane, the Bli Bli Road Interchange and the Uhlmann Road overpass near the Burpengary service centres are among the sections affected by ongoing upgrades.
While most Queensland road projects will pause between December 20 and January 6 to minimise holiday disruptions, changed traffic conditions and lower speed limits will remain in place at many work sites.
Western Australia
Notable road closures in WA include:
• Mitchell Freeway southbound between Karrinyup Road and Hutton Street: Closed from 7pm January 4 to 4am January 6, 2025
• Mandurah Road west of Mandurah Estuary Bridge: Reduced to one westbound lane on January 9, 2025
• Great Northern Highway at Pinga Street: Intersection upgrades, delays expected.
• Indian Ocean Drive between Brand Highway and Coolimba Eneabba Road: Closed, with a 20-minute detour in place.
Other States and Territories
ACT: Sections of the Tuggeranong Parkway, Barton Highway, Glenloch Interchange and William Hovell Drive will be closed at various times in early January for resurfacing and patching works.
South Australia: Drivers are advised to check the www.traffic.sa.gov.au website for live updates on current and planned closures.
Tasmania: Reduced speed limits will be enforced during a shutdown period on the Huon Link Road, Zeehan Highway and West Tamar Highway. The Lyell Highway north of New Norfolk is reduced to one lane due to flood damage. Statewide, 15-minute delays are expected at multiple resurfacing sites.
Northern Territory: While no major road closures are planned, motorists are warned that wet season conditions may cause restrictions. The latest updates are available here
With road conditions subject to change at short notice, especially in areas impacted by recent flooding or extreme weather events, it's essential for travellers to regularly check the relevant state traffic and transport websites for the most up-to-date information. A little forward planning and patience will help keep your summer road trip safe and enjoyable.
Aize Carter
Aize Carter
