Relief has followed the announcement of further upgrades to the despised Gocup Road next year.
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It follows the state government’s $70 million commitment to improve the “essential commuter and freight road” across five years, made in 2012.
The latest work will widen and resurface a 5.1 kilometre section of the road between Yarra and Smarts roads from January 9, 2018.
It is the same section of road, where 52-year-old Mark Jones was killed on his drive to work, earlier this year.
His tragic death was one of many along the notorious stretch, linking the Hume and Snowy Mountains highways between Gundagai and Tumut.
It has for years been known as a "hot spot" for accidents among south-west drivers.
Gundagai man Gordon Lindley said everyone in the area knew someone who had been injured or killed along the track.
“There’s been some fairly horrific truck accidents .. I remember a young fellow killed years ago,” Mr Lindley said.
“That’s the thing about small communities – we all know each other so it can be really sad.”
He said across more than 70-years, there had been many changes, but none as worrisome as the increased traffic – specifically log trucks.
“If you get behind log trucks at Gundagai, you’re nearly behind them till you get to Tumut,” Mr Lindley said. “That’s the danger.”
He said the improvements – widening the road to create overtaking lanes – were necessary and “absolutely terrific”.
Former Gundagai mayor Abb McAlister said the work, already completed, was excellent and a personal comfort.
“I’ve had mates killed on that road,” Mr McAlister said. “It is a great relief to see work being done.”
He said the commuter and freight road had been a death trap.
“There’s been a hell of a lot of accidents,” Mr McAlister said. “A hell of a lot killed and inured.”
Wagga MP Daryl Maguire last week announced the plan’s latest $3 million phase would hopefully be completed before July.
Snowy Valleys Council will carry out the work on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services between 7am and 5pm on weekdays and from 7am to 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.
The works are going ahead in addition to major upgrades at Doctors Hill and Halfway Hill.
Drivers should prepare for changed traffic conditions, including lane closures.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and follow the directions of traffic control and signs.
