Drivers are being urged to use extreme caution as widespread flooding in New South Wales has left parts of the Pacific Highway submerged and many other roads impassable.
Footage released by the NSW government shows sections of the highway transformed into rivers, forcing closures along major routes. With floodwaters threatening homes and cutting off tens of thousands of residents from essential services and evacuation options, coastal road links have been severely disrupted.
Authorities have issued strong warnings against driving through floodwaters, emphasizing that it only takes a small amount of water to cause a vehicle to lose control or be swept away.
Key Road Closures in NSW
According to the Live Traffic NSW website, hundreds of roads across the Mid North Coast and Greater Sydney have been affected. Notable closures include:
- Springwood Road at Yarramundi Bridge
- Cattai Road at Eldon Street and Millers Road at Pitt Town
- Pitt Town Road at McGraths Hill
- Wakehurst Parkway at Oxford Falls
- Audley Weir in the Royal National Park
The Pacific Highway (M1) remains a major concern, with several sections underwater. Road conditions may change rapidly as water levels fluctuate, so travelers are urged to check updates before setting out.
Detours in Place
Detours have been established for affected routes:
- Northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway (M1) can divert via the New England Highway from Beresfield to Glen Innes, then take the Gwydir Highway to South Grafton, follow the Big River Way to Tyndale, and rejoin the Pacific Highway.
- Southbound traffic should reverse the route: from Tyndale, take the Big River Way to South Grafton, then the Gwydir Highway to Glen Innes, and continue along the New England Highway to Beresfield.
Authorities note that while the Big River Way runs near the Clarence River, flooding is not expected to impact that road.
For a complete and up-to-date list of diversions, drivers should visit the NSW Live Traffic website.
Is it Safe to Drive?
Driving is permitted where roads remain open, but only if done with caution. Authorities continue to warn against driving through any amount of floodwater.
“Even a small amount of water can cause your vehicle to move or for you to be carried away,” said Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell. He added that all drivers, including those in metropolitan Sydney, should adjust their driving to suit wet conditions—slow down, remain courteous, and watch for pedestrians.
In areas under shelter-in-place orders, driving is strongly discouraged as all nearby routes are likely compromised.
Tragically, in addition to four confirmed deaths related to the floods, two more fatalities occurred on NSW roads overnight during the heavy rain.
