MOTORISTS are advised to avoid travelling through the Blue Mountains on Saturday due to widespread, extreme fire danger.
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Major roads may close with little to no notice due to fires, including the Great Western Highway.
"With extremely dangerous fire conditions expected to hit parts of NSW on Saturday, it's not a day to be on the roads, especially in the south of the state," Transport for NSW co-ordinator general Marg Prendergast said.
Motorists should avoid travel between the Central West and Sydney as the predicted conditions may close the Great Western Highway in sections between Bathurst and Penrith.
Anyone who cannot delay their trip should continually check the latest conditions - real-time road and traffic alerts are published on the LiveTraffic website and app - and be prepared for road closures.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution and follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews, while keeping in mind that conditions can, and do change very quickly, especially in these forecast conditions.
"Make sure you have adequate fuel, a fully-charged mobile phone and plenty of water and snacks if you have to be on the roads," Ms Prendergast said.
"Thick smoke may affect visibility on roads that are open and restricted speed limits may be in place so motorists need to drive safely to the conditions."
Once a road closes, it cannot reopen until it is safe to do so. The road surface needs to be checked, arborists need to ensure trees are not at risk of falling, and infrastructure such as power poles, signs and guard rails need to be made safe.
READ MORE: Thousands on highway to flee NSW bushfires
For the latest traffic information, visit Live Traffic, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.
Stay up-to-date with fires in your region at Fires Near Me.
Central West roads closed or impacted by bushfire damage
- Castlereagh Highway (Wallerawang to Round Swamp). Bushfire damaged, reduced speed limit of 60km/h.
- Glen Davis Road (Pinegrove Road to Torbane Road). Closed in both directions.
- Jenolan Caves Road and Edith Road (between Duckmaloi Road and Bastards Point Road). Closed in both directions.
- Bells Line of Road (between Kurragong and Bell). Bushfire damaged, reduced speed limit of 60km/h.
- Darling Causeway (between Bells Line of Road and Station Street). Closed in both directions.
- Wombeyan Caves Road (between High Range Lane and Taralga Road). Closed in both directions.
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