17 January 2025

UPDATED: Macquarie Pass, Lawrence Hargrave Drive reopen after chaotic afternoon

| Jen White
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Flashing police lights

Two major roads are closed in the Illawarra. Photo: pattilabelle.

UPDATE 17 Jan, 5:35 pm: Lawrence Hargrave Drive has reopened after fallen power lines were repaired.

UPDATE 17 Jan, 3:05 pm: Macquarie Pass has now reopened. However, traffic in the area remains heavy.

17 Jan, 2:45 pm: Lawrence Hargrave Drive is closed due to fallen power lines while Macquarie Pass is also closed following an accident between a fire truck and car, in a chaotic Friday afternoon on Illawarra roads.

The power lines came down about 2 pm on Friday (17 January) near Longview Crescent at Stanwell Tops, closing the road in both directions.

Transport for NSW advises drivers to avoid the area and delay non-essential travel.

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The NSW State Emergency Service is warning of strong to damaging winds along the coast north from Nowra, averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h this afternoon.

Meanwhile, an accident about 11:30 am near Clover Hill Road on Macquarie Pass has closed the road in both directions.

Diversions are available for light vehicles only, via Jamberoo Mountain Road, Jamberoo Road, Terry Street, and the Illawarra Highway/Tongarra Road.

Heavy vehicles should use the Hume Motorway, Picton Road and the M1 Princes Motorway.

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