Work will start this month on 2 new snow chain fitting bays to improve the safety of motorists travelling along the Snowy Mountains Highway during the snow season.
The NSW Government has announced it will invest up to $4.5 million to build 2 new bays along the Snowy Mountains Highway where motorists can safely stop and fit snow chains to their vehicles.
The 2 new bays will be in the Kiandra area, with one near Sawyers Hill and the other near Denison Campground.
Each bay will feature a dedicated slow lane off the highway to enter and designated parking for up to 10 vehicles.
The snow bays will service traffic from Adaminaby to Selwyn, offering motorists a safe place to stop and fit chains.
Chain bays will be open throughout the snow season when required. Motorists will be provided with advanced warning by electronic signs and can check the Live Traffic NSW website for updates.
Work to install the new chain bays will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and on occasion between 7am and 1pm Saturdays, from 5 February to 30 April, weather permitting.
Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of motorists and workers, while motorists should allow an additional 10 minutes' travel time.
All 2-wheel drive vehicles are required to carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on Kosciuszko Road from the Kosciuszko National Park boundary at Thredbo River to Perisher Valley, Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, and Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length.
Snow chains are recommended on Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo, and on Snowy Mountains Highway, and for 4WD and AWD vehicles during winter, especially if the drivers are not used to alpine roads affected by snow and ice.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to be investing $4.5 million in new snow chains bays, which we hope will lead to a safer snow season for all.
"Completing this work now means the next snow season will be a safer one and motorists can travel with confidence knowing there's more infrastructure in place to help them safely reach their destinations.
"We have seen increased traffic headed to the snow in recent years and the new bays are critical to ensure all motorists have access to a safe place to pull over and fit their chains.
"This additional investment in our region reinforces the Minns Labor Government's determination to improve road safety and deliver smoother journeys for motorists."
