Motorists using the Snowy Mountains Highway at Pine Valley will benefit from a series of upgrades, as part of the Albanese and NSW Labor Governments’ commitment to improving the safety and reliability of regional road networks across the state.
With $400,000 from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and $900,000 from the NSW Government’s Network Efficiency Program, the safety works will involve widening multiple sections of the Highway to provide more space for light and heavy vehicles to co-exist.
This includes widening the left-turn lane eastbound at Kosciuszko Road and installing safety barriers as part of the jointly funded works.
As an access route for the Snowy 2.0, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic along this section of the Snowy Mountains Highway, including frequent heavy vehicle movements.
Work is already underway to widen and seal one kilometre of southbound shoulders, which is expected to take around six weeks.
Work on the intersection upgrade is due to commence soon and is expected to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.
All works will be carried out weekdays between 7am and 6pm and Saturdays between 8am and 1pm.
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said:
“The Snowy Mountains Highway is busier than ever, as more people flock to enjoy everything we have to offer across this part of the mighty Eden-Monaro.
“That’s why I’ve worked hard to secure $400,000 in federal funding towards these important safety upgrades, which we’ll deliver in partnership with the Minns Labor Government.
“We know during our peak snow seasons the highway really is bumper to bumper – which is why widening multiple sections of the road will make it safer for motorists to pass turning vehicles.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
“As the gateway to the Snowy Mountains Region, this Highway is the key arterial route between Cooma and Jindabyne or Tumut, servicing high volumes of tourist and visitor traffic during winter, providing access to the Selwyn Snowy Resort from the southeast.
“These upgrades will go a long way to providing a much safer journey for all motorists and improving the travel experience for everyone in our beautiful region.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The NSW and Australian Labor Governments are working together and getting on with the job of improving road safety in our regional communities.
“The investments we are making will reduce the likelihood of rear end crashes and reduce congestion on this busy Highway.
“I thank Ministers McBain and Whan for their ongoing advocacy and efforts on behalf of their communities, to secure vital road safety investments like this.”