Community
19 November, 2025
Drivers beware: delays have been seriously underestimated
Drivers beware: Traffic for NSW has seriously underestimated the length of potential delays along the Hume Highway near Marulan.
Drivers beware: Traffic for NSW has seriously underestimated the length of potential delays along the Hume Highway near Marulan.
Motorists have taken to social media to vent their anger and frustration over traffic congestion and lengthy delays.
Some motorists say they have been stuck in traffic jam conditions for up to two-and-a-half hours and have missed meetings, appointments, birthday parties and anniversary dinners.
Transport for NSW is undertaking major roadworks near the southbound Marulan exit with work scheduled to continue through until the middle of December.
It has warned of lengthy delays and has advised motorists to add up to 20 minutes’ additional travel time on weekdays and 30 minutes on weekends.
However motorists say the delays have been far longer than 30 minutes.
Many are looking for an alternate route and are travelling via Wingello and Tallong.
One motorist said he had been stuck in traffic for almost two hours last Sunday travelling at an average speed of seven kilometres per hour.
He said the trip from Sydney to Canberra had taken six hours – almost double the estimated 3hr 18 min travel time.
Other motorists report taking three hours to travel from Mittagong to Goulburn – more than three times the estimated 58 min travel time.
One motorist said it taken three hours to travel from Paddys River to Marulan (estimated travel time 17 minutes) while another said the trip from Campbelltown to Goulburn had taken four hours (estimated travel time 1hr 34 mins).
Another said it had taken three hours to travel 60km.
Motorist Mark Crawford described it as “rolling hostage situation with hazard lights” and a “medieval pilgrimage crawl”.
“If you’re responsible for this management plan: may your coffee always taste burnt,” he posted on Facebook.
Southbound motorists have also vented anger over the detour in place to get to Marulan.
Southbound access into the centre of Marulan (Brayton Road) is closed until December 18 and a detour in place via Jerrara Road.
“The worst part is driving down to the bridge and having to sit back in the traffic to get to Marulan,” one said.
Marulan traders have feared from the outset that motorists won’t use the detour and will continue travelling south to avoid further delays on the trip back north to get to Marulan.
Transport for NSW has described the work as “essential” but the project has been mired in controversy from the beginning.
Local residents and traders say there were given less than two weeks’ notice that the works would be taking place from November 10 to December 18.
Local businesses said they would miss out on vital trade at their busiest time of the year.
One trader said local businesses were already “taking a hit”.
As part of the project, concrete pavement slabs are being replaced with asphalt on the southbound lanes from Highland Way, 1.1km south.
Work is being carried 24 hours a day on weekdays and between 7am and 7pm on Sundays.
Traders have said they appreciate the importance of road improvements but have questioned the timing of the project in the lead up to the school holidays and Christmas.
Read More: Marulan, Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands