TRAFFIC was once again bumper to bumper this morning between 8am and 10am on the Pacific Highway leading into Tweed Heads as drivers' tempers were frayed in an attempt to get to work or school on time.

Taking up to 40 minutes to get from the Chinderah freeway entrance to the traffic lights on Sexton Hill, some motorists resorted to verbal abuse and honking to relieve their frustration.

Vehicles were caught across lanes as they tried to edge into lanes, with traffic being completely stopped for minutes at a time.

A media spokeswoman for the Roads and Maritime Services said a heavy vehicle broke down on the Pacific Highway at Sextons Hill at about 9am.

"It blocked one lane northbound and was cleared by a heavy vehicle tow truck to the side of the road at about 9.30am," she said.

"This caused heavy northbound traffic for about an hour.

"There has been no Banora Point upgrade work carried on the northbound lanes from Terranora road to Darlington Drive for the past fortnight.

"However, for the safety of all road users a 40km/h speed limit applies through the project site at all times.

"Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) appreciates motorists' patience while this important upgrade is completed.

"The Banora Point upgrade is scheduled to be completed by mid 2012, weather permitting."

Traffic was still banked up on the freeway at 11am this morning.

Drivers claim the gridlock has been happening every morning for the past two weeks.

One driver said a trip that would normally have taken them 15 minutes from Cabarita Beach to Tweed Heads South now takes over an hour if she leaves home after 8.15am.