HOLIDAYING motorists have been urged to take advantage of a series of new maps developed by the NSW government to highlight the state's worst traffic pinch points.
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With record numbers of holiday travellers expected to descend on regional NSW this holiday season, drivers are advised to plan ahead to avoid traffic delays.
And a suite of new resources from the state government will help them do just that.
The pinch point maps highlight the worst bottlenecks on the state's highways and also recommend the best departure times to avoid the worst of the traffic.
And a Time Travel Chart provides drivers a day-by-day breakdown on just how long they can expect to be delayed at about 20 traditional bottlenecks during peak holiday travel times.
Bathurst MP and Regional Roads Minister Paul Toole said more people than ever would be holidaying in regional NSW due to COVID-19, which would see roads busier than usual.
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"It has been a tough year for the people of NSW and we know everyone is looking for a break so we are doing everything we can to reduce travel times and make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely," Mr Toole said.
"That's why we have identified bottlenecks and pinch points so people can plan ahead between Friday, December 18 and Monday, January 4, as well as for the Australia Day long weekend."
Mr Toole said historic travel data suggested the best times to leave were:
- Between 6am and 9am or after 3pm if travelling north from Sydney and the same for return journeys.
- Between 6am and 11am or after 6pm if travelling south from Sydney and before 9am or after 3pm for return journeys.
- Between 6am and 9am or after 3pm if traveling west from Sydney and the same for return journeys.
Mr Toole said the NSW Government was pushing on with its $107 billion infrastructure program and delivering major road projects that would make journeys safer, faster and more reliable.
"We're also planning for the future - with a $2.5 billion investment in the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow that will significantly ease congestion and improve travel times for those travelling over the mountains in peak holiday periods," Mr Toole said.
To find out more about the best times to travel by car visit rms.nsw.gov.au/holiday-journeys.
Real-time information for travellers and alternate route options at key points will also be available via LiveTraffic.com and VMS messages.
