DR JOE WELCOMES HIGHWAY UPGRADES

A risky stretch of the Snowy Mountains Highway west of Adelong will undergo major safety improvements, as part of an almost $30M investment in upgrading sections of the busy highway.  

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has welcomed confirmation that the Australian and NSW Governments will fund and deliver the important works over the next two years, under the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program.  

Pavement super-elevation – or cambering to reduce overturning and skidding risks – will be a centrepiece of the works on the highway around the Darlow Rest Area and Black Creek Road.  

This project, at a cost of $7,565,832, will also include improved signage, audio tactile line marking (rumble strips), flexible barriers and alignment corrections at the Black Creek Road intersection.   

The other projects are:    

  • Mass action treatments including audio tactile line marking (ATLM), a wide centre line, and flexible roadside barriers on other parts of the Snowy Mountains Highway between the Hume Highway and Tumut ($7,812,462); and  

  • ATLM, wide centre lines and flexible barriers from Tumut to Cooma ($14,437,962)    

Dr McGirr said the works were welcome safety improvements at a time when the road toll continues to rise.    

“As a busy route for local residents and holidaymakers, the Snowy Mountains Highway can present risks to motorists, so I thank the federal and state governments for recognising the importance of improving the road and enhancing the safety of travellers,” he said.   

“The works around the Darlow Rest Area and Black Creek Road are particularly important, as this stretch of road has been the scene of five tow-away crashes within recent years.   

“While these works are very welcome, a number of other roads in our region remain high risk – such as the Tumbarumba Road – and I have asked for funding for urgent improvements to these areas in this year’s State Budget.”    
 
The Snowy Valleys Highway works have either begun or are due to start construction before the middle of 2026.   

Through the Road Safety Program, the Australian and NSW governments are contributing a combined total of $518.3 million over 2023-24 to 2025-26 for road safety treatments across the NSW road network.    

This investment will ensure safer roads for our local communities and support the long-term goal of reducing road fatalities across New South Wales. 

 

Joe McGirr