WOES at Cunningham’s Gap have been exacerbated this week, with flooding in NSW redirecting traffic inland and causing longer than usual delays through the troubled range.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman yesterday advised the delays through the Gap could reach up to 30 minutes and were unlikely to ease until next week, with the highway not set to reopen until at least Monday.

“The Pacific Highway between Clybucca and North Kempsey in New South Wales is closed in both directions due to flooding,” the TMR spokesman said.

“This has had an impact through Warwick, the Cunningham Highway and Cunningham’s Gap, since Tuesday June 14.

“The NSW Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) is advising all motorists travelling between Queensland and New South Wales to use the New England Highway.”

To cope with the influx of traffic, TMR have reduced the roadworks occurring during operation Queenslander, the largest reconstruction effort in the state’s history but say delays may still be lengthy.

“Delays at Cunningham’s Gap are varied, with anticipated waiting times between five minutes during non-peak and 30 minutes during peak times,” the TMR spokesman said.

“Heavy traffic and longer delays are expected at Cunningham’s Gap until the Pacific Highway reopens.”

Up to date traffic information for Queensland roads is available at www.131940.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 19 40.

Motorists can also register for SMS updates about reconstruction work and traffic impacts at Cunningham’s Gap by visiting www.cunninghamhighwaysms.com.au.

The reconstruction work at Cunningham’s Gap is being delivered under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), a joint federal and state initiative.

Access to the latest information regarding flood affected roads in NSW is available from the RTA via www.livetrafficnsw.com.au or by calling 13 27 01.