Work is set to begin on the next stage of a $20 million program to improve safety on the Monaro Highway in key locations between the ACT and the Victorian border.
The next stage of the highway upgrade program will include the installation of new signage, improved road markings and lane upgrades at nine town entry points:
- north and south of Bredbo
- north, south and west of Cooma
- north and south of Nimmitabel
- and north and south of Bombala.
“The Monaro Highway forms part of the key freight, commuter and recreational route between the Snowy Mountains region and the ACT through to Sydney and surrounds,” said Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison.
“The upgrade work the NSW Government is carrying out is all about helping to save lives and keep communities safe in the Monaro region.”
Upgrade works are due to begin around 650 metres north of Thurrung Street at Cooma, from Monday April 15th, weather permitting.
Work in other locations will follow over the next four weeks, taking place between 7am to 5pm on weekdays, weather permitting.
Temporary single lane closures, a reduced speed zone of 40 km/h and traffic control to be put in place as needed for the safety of workers and motorists.
To further improve safety for motorists from late April, the speed limit is due to be reduced at two locations. The Government says the changes will reduce crash risk and are being made due to the high rate of reported near misses and crashes on the highway.
In Bombala, the speed limit will drop from 60 km/h to 50 km/h for a 1.1-kilometre stretch along the Monaro Highway from Young Street to 280 metres south of Cemetery Road. This new limit will be consistent with other speed zone lengths in similar villages such as Nimmitabel and Cooma.
At Dairymans Plains, west of Cooma, the speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h for a 4.7-kilometre stretch along the Snowy Mountains Highway, from 140 metres east of Montague Street, Cooma, to 520 metres west of Harlowe Road.
Message boards will be on site one week before and one week following the speed zone reductions, to notify motorists of the changed speed limits.
