The Mitchell Highway has reopened between Orange and Apsley, south of Wellington, after being closed due following the major flooding event that occurred in the region on Monday.
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It comes after the Great Western Highway, at Kelso near Bathurst, reopened to all vehicles on Monday night, under a contra-flow to allow traffic to pass in each direction.
- READ MORE: Photos from the Molong floods, November 2022
However, many other roads remain closed and motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas.
Transport for NSW is urging motorists who need to travel are advised to take extra care, and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
Major roads closed in the Central West include:
- The Newell Highway is closed between Forbes and Parkes.
- The Newell Highway is also closed between Forbes and Wyalong.
- The Escort Way is closed between Forbes and Cudal.
- Henry Parkes Way is closed between Parkes and Manildra, and between Condobolin and Parkes.
- Lachlan Valley Way is closed in Forbes, as well as between Forbes and Jemalong, and between Gooloogong and Cowra.
- Lachlan Valley Way is also closed between Legh Street and Morongla Road at Cowra.
- Henry Lawson Way is closed between Forbes and Grenfell.
- Canowindra Road is closed at Canowindra as well as at Cowra.
- The Mid Western Highway is closed at Back Creek.
- The Mid Western Highway is also closed at Erigolia, east of Rankin Springs.
- The Oxley Highway is closed in Warren.
- Kidman Way is closed at Wallanthery.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said heavy storms on Sunday and Monday morning brought falls of 120 millimetres of rain from the Blue Mountains to the Far West, causing significant damage to roads, bridges and transport infrastructure.
"Many people and communities are being evacuated and the extent of the damage cannot yet be safely assessed, so for now we are asking all motorists to reconsider the need to travel to flood affected areas," Mr Farraway said.
"Many roads across the region are closed and others are likely to close with minimal notice.
"I cannot stress enough just how important it is for motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads and of course, to never drive through floodwaters.
"There are images of roads being swept away by the force of these floods, which is a powerful reminder to us all that if it's flooded, forget it."
Mr Farraway said flooded roads were not the only danger facing motorists, with potholes and damaged road surfaces also creating hazards.
"Even when the water recedes we urge motorists to be aware that while our crews are working around the clock to repair potholes and damaged roads, they simply cannot keep up with the volume of work at present," Mr Farraway said.
"Please don't assume that just because a road is open it is going to be anything like the road you are used to. Slow down and drive to the new conditions as you find them."
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