MOTORISTS have been warned to expect delays of up to 45 minutes through Hexham on Friday and across the weekend as traffic increases ahead of Christmas.
As holidaymakers head north for the festive break, congestion between the end of the M1 at Beresfield and the start of the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae will likely cause significant delays.
Transport for NSW is predicting a delay of between 40 and 45 minutes through the area most days prior to Christmas Day.
While delays are expected to ease over Christmas and Boxing Day, Transport for NSW predicts they will return to about 30 minutes the weekend before New Years and potentially longer in the first days of January.
"Based on last year's traffic data, we predict the weekend before Christmas and the weekend before New Year will be the busiest times to travel along the east coast of NSW," Transport for NSW's northern region director Anna Andrews said.
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The state's most significant delays, outside of emergency road closures, are expected north of Grafton at Woodburn, where extensive roadworks are being carried out.
Transport for NSW has advised motorists to consider traveling between Grafton and Ballina via Summerland Way and the Bruxner Highway to avoid up to 75-minute delays on the Pacific Highway through Woodburn.
Motorists are also advised to visit the NSW Rural Fire Service's Fires Near Me app and Live Traffic NSW website for further information about road conditions.
NSW Police will launch Operation Safe Arrival at midnight on Friday. The double-demerit safety operation runs until January 2.
Double-demerit penalties will apply throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
Officers will also be targeting other poor driver behaviour, including drink-and-drug-driving.
"Traditionally, we see more people on the roads, and out and about visiting family and friends during this busy season," Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said.
"It should be a time that is remembered for all the right reasons, so I urge all road users to obey the road rules and exercise extra caution.
"Take the appropriate measures to ensure you do not place yourselves or others at risk through poor decision making."
Centre for Road Safety director Bernard Carlon the 339 lives lost on NSW roads this year was "339 too many".
Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation will deploy its has "Holiday Time; Slow Down, Kids Around" signage around the Lake Macquarie local government area to help reduce child pedestrian injuries and fatalities over the festive period.
The signs will be erected at the city's beaches, parks and other recreational locations urging people to slow down and take extra care on the roads.
