COMMUTERS travelling from Newcastle to Sydney this morning are advised to use public transport instead of driving after an accident on the M1 at Berowra.
A road worker was hit by a utility vehicle while he was picking up signage about 3am on Wednesday.
Emergency services attended the scene and transported the man to hospital with serious head injuries, the spokeswoman said.
The driver of the vehicle was also taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The motorway was initially closed to southbound traffic, but as peak hour traffic began to build, northbound lanes were also closed to allow citybound traffic through.
"All northbound lanes of the M1 are closed and motorists are being diverted onto the Pacific Highway at Windybanks Interchange," the Transport Management Centre said.
"Southbound motorists can now use the M1 to travel south, but are doing so on the northbound carriageway. Southbound motorists can also divert onto the Pacific Highway at the Berowra off-ramp."
"Motorists should allow plenty of extra time, expect delays, reduce speed and exercise caution."
