18 March 2020

Motorists are benefitting from safer and faster journeys along the Snowy Mountains
Highway with a new overtaking lane at Adelong opening this week.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new overtaking lane
had opened one month ahead of schedule, despite aspects of the work being impacted
by bushfires in the Snowy Mountains.

"The Snowy Mountains Highway is a key route connecting the Riverina with the
Monaro and South Coast," Mr Toole said.

"It's a popular freight connection and winds through steep hills, which can see heavy
vehicles reduce their speed to navigate the terrain.

"The new overtaking lane at Adelong will give motorists safe opportunities to overtake
slower vehicles, helping them to get to their destination sooner and safer.

"By investing in infrastructure like the Snowy Mountains Highway we are also able to
improve response times for emergency services, which is vital particular during natural
disasters like the bushfires."

Member of the Legislative Council Wes Fang said the project was a win for the
community, tourists and the freight industry.

"After construction of the new overtaking lane kicked off in November last year,
Transport for NSW crews were due to re-start work in early January following the
festive break," Mr Fang said.

"However, bushfires saw the teams redirected to help clean up bushfire-affected trees
and roads around Talbingo and Adelong before returning to complete the project.

"Fortunately, February brought ideal weather conditions for construction, enabling the
project team to recover lost time and deliver the lane."

The NSW Government invested $2.6 million to build the new one kilometre overtaking
lane, with work involving widening the existing road surface, installing safety signs and
barriers as well as drainage and slope improvements.