Easter traffic headache as weekenders return home

The Easter long weekend rush home has begun, with major traffic headaches across multiple states.

In NSW and Queensland, traffic is heavy as holidaymakers return home ready to go back to work after the public holiday.

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Transport bosses are warning the major route back into Sydney from the north, the M1, is being hit with "significant delays" due to holiday traffic, as well as earlier crashes and a breakdown.

One of three southbound lanes of the motorway was closed just past the Pacific Highway overpass earlier today.

While all lanes have reopened, southbound traffic is heavy back across the Hawkesbury River Bridge.

Live Traffic is also warning of heavy traffic on the Pacific Highway southbound at Tomago in the Hunter region, and the New England Highway from Hexham to Tarro near Newcastle.

The Great Western Highway eastbound from Little Hartley to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains is also busy, as is the Hume Motorway northbound from Pheasants Nest to Menangle Park in Macarthur near Sydney.

On the NSW South Coast, northbound traffic is easing on the Princes Highway through Ulladulla, Milton, Wandandian and Nowra.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and visit Live traffic for updates.

Queensland

In Queensland, the Sunshine Motorway on the Sunshine Coast is already congested, Queensland Roads said.

Warnings are also in place for heavy traffic from the Sunshine Coast down to Brisbane on the Bruce Highway.

Delays are also expected on the Pacific Motorway around the Gold Coast, especially between Burleigh Heads and Currumbin Waters as well as Palm Beach and Reedy Creek.

Check Queensland Traffic for the latest updates.

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