“There are seven projects under way across the Pacific Highway which will be suspended during Easter to improve traffic flows,” a Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said. 

“There will be no work impacting traffic from 6pm Wednesday 1 April to 6am Wednesday 8 April on all upgrades.

“Motorists will still need to take care travelling through work sites and observe the reduced speed limits.”

“Motorists who haven’t travelled along the Pacific Highway since last Easter will notice significant changes.

“The final 15 kilometres of the Sapphire to Woolgoolga upgrade opened in July last year, providing 25 kilometres of four lane divided highway to improve a former congestion point.

“Major work is now under way on 105 kilometres of highway between Port Macquarie and Raleigh, south of Coffs Harbour.

“Work is well advanced on a number of these sections with 48 kilometres of highway upgrade to open from Fredrickton to Eungai and from Nambucca Heads  to Urunga next year, weather permitting.

“Significant progress has also been made on the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale upgrade which will open to traffic in the second half of this year.

“Motorists should plan carefully when travelling through known congestion hotspots and take breaks to relieve fatigue.

“Motorists can expect delays at Macksville, Coffs Harbour, Woodburn, Ewingsdale and the Frederickton roundabout at the northern end of Kempsey bypass.

“Between the Queensland border and Buladelah drivers can stop at 49 rest areas when travelling north and 43 rest areas, travelling south.

“Rest areas can offer facilities such as barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and play equipment.

“Many drivers aren't aware how being tired can affect driving. It’s one of the top three killers on NSW roads, along with speeding and drink driving.

“Crashes due to fatigue are also twice as likely to be fatal than other crashes – drivers who are asleep can't brake.

“Planning ahead is the best way to deal with fatigue. If you are taking a long trip make sure you get a good sleep the night before, share the driving and plan to take regular rest breaks.”

For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au.

At a glance – Pacific Highway upgrades

-       Oxley Highway to Kundabung – 23km

-       Kundabung to Kempsey – 14km

-       Frederickton to Eungai – 26.5km

-       Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads – 20km

-       Nambucca Heads to Urunga – 22km

-       Pimlico to Teven – 2.3km

-       Tintenbar to Ewingsdale – 17km