Motorists will soon benefit from improved safety upgrades as two major programs in the state’s south, the Kings and Monaro highway upgrades, reach their final stages.

South-east of Braidwood, the final stage of the $20 million Kings Highway upgrade program is getting underway this week and will deliver a safer road between Batemans Bay and the NSW/ACT border.

This project will deliver flexible safety barriers for three kilometres on both sides of the highway south-east of Braidwood.

The final stage of the $20 million Monaro Highway upgrade program will start with preparation work north of Bombala from Monday 23 June, weather permitting, and will deliver further safety improvements aimed at helping motorists make it home safely every time.

This project will deliver wider lanes, widened centre line, audio tactile line marking (also known as rumble strips) and flexible roadside safety barrier at various points between Burnima Road and 600 metres north of Rifle Range Road, and will include the installation and upgrade of new and existing drainage culverts.

The final project on the Kings Highway will be completed by the end of July, while the final project on the Monaro Highway is expected to be completed by 30 June 2026, weather permitting.

Single lane closures under a stop/slow arrangement will be in place at both project locations, with a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h in place for the safety of motorists and workers.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said “These final pieces of work mark the completion of a combined $40 million worth of vital safety upgrades to help reduce the incidence and severity of crashes along these key corridors, while enhancing the efficient movement of local communities, tourists and freight traffic.

“The upgrades will help support regional economic growth by promoting tourism and freight traffic on the highway, and by providing better connectivity between communities.

“We want to thank motorists for their ongoing patience while these important safety upgrades are carried out.”

Member for Monaro, Minister Steve Whan said “As I’ve said many times, these roads are key arterial routes for commuters, tourists, freight and importantly health. We need them to be safer, and we need motorists to drive them to the conditions, especially in key tourist seasons.

“This will mark the fifth and final project of the Kings Highway upgrade program, which has already delivered safety upgrades near McCardys Creek, a new eastbound overtaking lane near Misty Mountain Road, high-friction pavement on parts of the Clyde Mountain and a new eastbound overtaking lane at Mulloon.

“Four projects have already been delivered as part of the Monaro Highway upgrades, and they include town gateway treatments at Bredbo, Bombala, Nimmitabel and Cooma. Upgrades also include safety improvements from Rock Flat to Nimmitabel and between Cooma and the ACT border.” 

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, follow the directions of signs and traffic control, and allow an additional five minutes’ travel time.