As the Easter school holidays roll around once again, families across Queensland and New South Wales are preparing for road trips, family catch-ups, and a well-earned break. But with higher volumes of traffic, unpredictable weather, and changed road conditions due to recent storms, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and drive safely.
At East Coast Traffic Control (ECTC), we’re on the ground every day managing traffic through challenging conditions — and we know firsthand how quickly things can change. Whether you’re hitting the road from Brisbane to Bundaberg, crossing through the Clarence Valley, or heading for a coastal escape in Hervey Bay, here’s what you need to know to stay safe this Easter.
Easter Holidays Mean Busier Roads
The Easter break traditionally brings more vehicles to our roads, with families, holidaymakers and tradies making the most of the time off. Major routes like the Bruce Highway, Pacific Motorway, Warrego Highway, and New England Highway see significant increases in traffic.
With this comes greater risk. Congestion, delays, and frustrated drivers can lead to dangerous behaviours — so it’s crucial to stay patient and plan your trip around peak periods.
Storm Damage and Roadworks Are Still Active
From the Gold Coast to Grafton and as far north as Mackay and Cairns, many regions are still recovering from heavy rainfall and storm events over the past few weeks. That means:
- Unexpected road closures
- Damaged surfaces and potholes
- Temporary detours
- Emergency works
You might see ECTC crews out setting up traffic lights or guiding vehicles through single-lane roads in affected areas. Please slow down, follow signage, and respect the team working hard to keep everyone safe.
Floodwaters? Don’t Risk It
It’s been said a thousand times, but it’s always worth repeating — if it’s flooded, forget it. Driving into floodwater is the leading cause of flood-related fatalities in Queensland. It takes just 15cm of water to make a car lose traction, and even less to make conditions unpredictable.
No matter what kind of car you drive, it’s not worth the risk.
Top Safety Tips for Easter Travel
Let’s keep this simple — and effective:
- Plan ahead: Check traffic and weather updates before you leave. Sites like QLD Traffic and Live Traffic NSW are essential.
- Rest up: Don’t drive tired. Plan breaks every two hours — use rest stops or pull into towns like Gympie, Taree, or Warwick to stretch your legs.
- Pack the essentials: Especially if travelling in regional areas — water, snacks, a torch, and a phone charger are a must.
- Be storm aware: Strong winds, fallen trees, and flash flooding can appear quickly. Have a backup plan or delay your trip if needed.
- Obey speed limits — especially through roadworks or detour zones. Our crews are out there working to protect everyone.
Look Out for Changed Traffic Conditions
During the holidays, some regions see temporary speed limits, lane changes, or detours to accommodate infrastructure upgrades or repairs. Areas to watch include:
- Sunshine Coast hinterland (maintenance crews working on narrow roads)
- Northern Rivers and Lismore region (ongoing flood recovery)
- Rockhampton and Mackay (high traffic zones due to regional events and coastal holiday traffic)
- Coffs Harbour to Grafton (frequent roadwork sites)
What Traffic Controllers Want You to Know
Our traffic controllers are out there in rain, heat, and high-risk conditions to keep you safe. Here’s what they wish every driver understood:
- They’re not there to annoy you — they’re there to protect lives.
- If you see a stop/slow bat or lights, it means conditions ahead are dangerous or restricted.
- A thank you wave goes a long way — and so does your patience.
Support Local on Your Travels
If you’re heading regional, make a stop in towns like Dalby, Young, or Parkes and support the small businesses that make these communities thrive. Tourism dollars go a long way in helping flood-affected and storm-hit areas get back on their feet.
Final Word
Easter is a time to reconnect, recharge and relax — not a time for rushing or taking risks on the road. With unpredictable weather and changing traffic conditions, taking a few extra moments to plan, prepare and drive with care could be the best Easter gift you give to your family.
From all of us at East Coast Traffic Control, drive safe and enjoy the break!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find out about road closures or storm-affected areas?
Check government traffic websites like QLD Traffic or Live Traffic NSW. They’re updated regularly with road closures, detours, and weather impacts. - Are traffic controllers working during the holidays?
Yes — our crews are on call 24/7, especially during holidays when traffic volumes are higher, and storm events increase the risk on roads. - What if I come across a flooded road while driving?
Turn around immediately. Even shallow water can be dangerous. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others. - How can I tell if a road has changed traffic conditions?
Look out for signage, electronic message boards, and traffic control personnel. Always slow down as you approach and follow directions carefully. - What should I pack for a road trip during storm season?
Essentials include water, food, a phone charger, torch, jumper leads, first aid kit, and printed emergency contact numbers — just in case of outages or no signal.
