Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is urging residents to work from home as widespread flooding continues to wreak havoc on local roads. Traffic has been brought to a standstill across Maitland and surrounding areas, particularly around Hexham and the Hexham Bridge, where many drivers have been stuck for hours moving only a few kilometres.
“It’s been a difficult afternoon and evening on our local roads,” Aitchison said in a statement. “Like many of you, I was stuck in the traffic too, and I know exactly how frustrating it is.”
With floodwaters rising and rain continuing to fall, Aitchison is asking those who can to avoid unnecessary travel on Tuesday.
“If you can possibly work from home tomorrow, please make that choice—to reduce your own commute and allow frontline, emergency, and freight workers who don’t have that choice to get through,” she said.
She acknowledged the strain on the road network, with some roads submerged and others heavily congested, and stressed the importance of safety before reopening routes.
“I’m sorry I don’t have an immediate solution, but I wanted you to know I understand and share your frustration.”
Aitchison also thanked Maitland City Council, Transport for NSW, and emergency services for their ongoing efforts to restore access across the region.
