The Albanese and Minns Labor governments continue to progress critical repair works on Brown Mountain, with an additional $1.9 million committed to kickstart the next stage of landslip repairs on the Snowy Mountains Highway.
Jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, Transport for NSW is expected to commence work on the next of nine landslip sites on Monday June 17.
Set to improve safety and travel times when complete, the work will see a damaged section of road fully restored and built back to better withstand the threat of future disasters.
Once work is completed, motorists will be able to use both lanes in each direction as the single lane limit put in place in March 2022 will be removed at this location, which is located about 1.5 kilometres east of the Fred Piper Memorial Lookout.
The work will include:
- installing almost 1100 linear metres of soil nails
- applying 180 square metres of shotcrete
- repairing damaged road surface and reinstating guardrail.
Since 2022, extensive repairs have been carried out at three of the landslip sites along the Snowy Mountains Highway.
Work currently being carried out at the largest of these sites is expected to be completed by mid-August, with a procurement process under way to book in repairs for three of the four remaining sites.
Work is also continuing on a design solution for the ninth landslip site which was damaged during a severe weather event in November last year.
The work will be carried out within the existing temporary barriers for the single lane operations with traffic lights operating 24-hours until work is completed. This means there will be no additional impact on traffic during the work.
This additional $1.9 million in joint funding builds on the $6 million being invested in the repairs to date.
Find out more about the Brown Mountain repairs
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain said:
"As someone that drives the Brown Mountain every week, I know how frustrating the ongoing closures from landslips and rockfalls are - which is why we're getting on with this critical repair work.
"An additional $1.9 million towards the next stage of repair works will help prevent further erosion, and improve the safety of this busy route.
"Having a reliable road network makes it easier for locals to get to work and for tourists to uplift Eden-Monaro businesses, which is why I'll continue to advocate for a longer-term solution for the Brown Mountain section of the Snowy Mountains Highway."
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
"News the next lot of repair work will soon get underway at Brown Mountain will be welcomed by the thousands of people who use the Snowy Mountains Highway every day.
"Together with my colleagues I will continue to advocate for a longer term strategy for the highway."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Natural disasters have had a devastating impact on this section of the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain and we understand the inconvenience this has caused motorists.
"The teams at Transport for NSW have been working tirelessly to progress repair plans and I'm pleased to see the next step being taken in restoring access to the road.
"Ministers McBain and Whan and Dr Holland have been tireless advocates for this project."
NSW Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:
"It's fantastic to announce that further work is happening on Brown Mountain.
"We thank the community for their patience while we plan, prepare and carry out this important repair work, that will help get the Snowy Mountains Highway back open to its full capacity."
