The two snow chain bays will service traffic from Adaminaby to Selwyn. Photo: File.
Work will start this month on two new snow chain fitting bays to improve the safety of motorists travelling along the Snowy Mountains Highway during the snow season.
The NSW Government has announced it will invest up to $4.5 million to build two bays along the Snowy Mountains Highway where motorists can safely stop and fit snow chains to their vehicles.
The bays will be in the Kiandra area, with one near Sawyers Hill and the other near Denison Campground.
Each bay will feature a dedicated slow lane off the highway with designated parking for up to 10 vehicles.
The snow bays will service traffic from Adaminaby to Selwyn, offering motorists a safe place to stop and fit chains.
Chain bays will be open throughout the snow season when required.
Motorists will be given warnings by electronic signs in advance and can check the Live Traffic NSW website for updates.
Work to install the chain bays will be carried out between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays, and on occasion between 7 am and 1 pm Saturdays, from February to April, weather permitting.
Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of motorists and workers, while motorists should allow an additional 10 minutes travel time.
All two-wheel drive vehicles are required to carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on Kosciuszko Road from the Kosciuszko National Park boundary at Thredbo River to Perisher Valley, Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, and Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length.
Snow chains are recommended on Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo, and on Snowy Mountains Highway, and for four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles during winter, especially if the drivers are not used to alpine roads affected by snow and ice.
“We have seen increased traffic headed to the snow in recent years and the new bays are critical to ensure all motorists have access to a safe place to pull over and fit their chains,” Mr Whan said.
“Completing this work now means the next snow season will be a safer one and motorists can travel with confidence knowing there’s more infrastructure in place to help them safely reach their destinations,” Mr Whan said.
Peak snow season in the Australian Alps is usually between June and August. But snow in May is common in alpine areas.
Travellers can hire or buy snow chains at a range of stores on their way to the ski fields, such as ski and snowboard hire stores and service stations.
When hiring or purchasing snow chains, make sure the shop attendant shows you how to fit them correctly and which chains are best suited to your vehicle.
Ensure you are comfortable with fitting chains to your vehicle as it can be difficult fitting them for the first time in the middle of a blizzard.
A waterproof blanket or groundsheet is also useful to protect you from the road and ice/snow when you fit the chains – you will need to lie down or get on your knees to fit them.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
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