Strong winds continue to make life difficult for firefighters battling the blaze on the Pacific Highway, near Bulahdelah.
The bushfire, which began on Thursday 4 December, has now spotted across the main throughfare and is burning in a south-easterly direction to the northwest of Nerong.
That means the Pacific Highway is closed in both directions between The Bucketts Way and Wallanbah Road at Twelve Mile Creek and Nabiac.
While emergency services and NSW RFS personnel, including waterbombing aircraft, remain on the scene, motorists are advised to avoid the area.
“We’re encouraging everyone to either delay their journeys or use diversions,” a spokesperson said.
“Local residents heading north will be able to travel up to Whimberal Drive at Nerong, while those venturing south can go along Bulahdelah Way at Bulahdelah.
“Smoke in the area may affect visibility, which is why road-users should drive to the conditions.
“Those around Myall Creek Road, Myall River Road and Nerong should keep an eye on the conditions, too.
“Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
“For more details, visit Live Traffic NSW.”
Diversions include:
- Northbound: At Twelve Mile Creek, use The Bucketts Way, Mill Street, Avalon Road, Wallanbah Road to return to the Pacific Highway at Nabiac
- Southbound: At Nabiac, use Wallanbah Road, Avalon Road, Mill Street, The Bucketts Way to return to Pacific Highway
The diversion is only suitable for light vehicles, with heavy trucks being parked at this stage.
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