A serious single-vehicle crash on the Pacific Highway has triggered massive traffic delays for holiday travellers on the NSW Central Coast, just days before Christmas.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred around 7:20am on Monday near the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Short Cut Road in the town of Urunga. Reports indicate an SUV rolled over at the location.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found one passenger, a 32-year-old woman, seriously injured. She was transported to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Another passenger and the 37-year-old male driver escaped physical injury.
The driver underwent a mandatory breath test at the scene, which returned a negative result. Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Major Traffic Chaos and Road Closures
As part of their investigation, police closed the northbound lanes of the Pacific Highway from the crash intersection. This major closure on a key holiday route has resulted in severe congestion.
Transport for NSW confirmed the traffic backup stretched approximately 20 kilometres south to Hyland Park. Authorities warned that ongoing police investigations are expected to take some time, prolonging the disruption.
Alternative Routes Also Congested
Motorists have been advised to allow for extensive extra travel time and to consider using published diversions via Ballards Road and Giinagay Way.
However, Live Traffic NSW reports that these alternative roads through the small town of Urunga are also experiencing heavy traffic, offering little relief for stranded drivers. The situation highlights the vulnerability of regional road networks during peak holiday periods.
With Christmas travel in full swing, the crash serves as a stark reminder for all motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
