The works will take place about a kilometre from Government Bend (pictured above) on the Clyde Mountain. Photo: Alex Rea.
If you’re travelling the Kings Highway, your path will look a little different for the next six months.
Repair works have been announced for two landslip sites damaged during floods in March 2021.
The sites are about one kilometre east of Government Bend.
Repairs will be carried out on the downhill slopes of the eastbound lane on weekdays and Saturdays between 7 am and 6 pm, weather permitting.
Long steel rods (known as soil nails) will be installed to add strength to the slope.
Steel mesh and spray-on concrete will then be applied to help prevent erosion and address cracking in the embankment close to the road shoulder.
PCA Ground Engineering has been appointed by Transport for NSW to handle the works, starting on 9 February.
They’re expected to take six months.
Member for Bega Doctor Michael Holland said the works represented more than “cosmetic” repairs.
“They are long-term safety upgrades designed to stabilise the slope, protect the road and reduce the risk of future damage during extreme weather.
“I know traffic changes can be frustrating, but they are necessary to keep motorists and workers safe while this complex work is carried out in steep and challenging terrain.”
Changed traffic conditions will remain in place until the works are complete.
The highway’s eastbound lane will be closed for the duration of the project, with traffic moving into the two westbound lanes to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction.
During the works, the speed limit will also be reduced to 40 km/h.
Repairs to the last of nine landslip sites on Brown Mountain wrapped up in late December, just in time for Christmas travel.
The Snowy Mountains Highway provides an important link between Canberra and the Monaro region to the Far South Coast.
The route was damaged in multiple locations during severe natural disasters in 2022 and 2023.
According to Transport for NSW’s website the program “has delivered improved slope stability and addressed future erosion at nine separate locations, providing motorists with a safer and more resilient road”.
“New guardrail and road resurfacing has also been installed as part of the completion of the final landslip site, to improve the road environment for motorists.”
Dr Holland thanked motorists for their patience.
“Clyde Mountain is a critical connection for our region, and these repairs will deliver a stronger and more resilient road following the significant damage caused by the 2021 flood events,” he said.
Motorists are advised to drive according to the conditions, follow the directions of signs and traffic control, and allow an additional five minutes’ travel time.
