ONE of the most dangerous intersections in the Snowy Valleys is back under a microscope after residents were called to give feedback on its safety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state government has invited residents and road users of the Batlow Road and Snowy Mountains Highway intersection to have their say on improving safety at the site, which is notorious for car crashes.
Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said they were investigating additional options to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes in the area and community consultation was important to the process.
"The busy intersection west of Tumut is used by residents, commuters and visitors as it links to the Hume Highway, national parks and the Snowy Mountains to the south, and is a key freight route for timber and agricultural distribution," he said.
"Data shows the majority of fatalities on country roads are local residents, and this project aims to ensure those who set off on a journey return home safely.
"While work has been carried out previously to improve safety at the intersection, there's still more to do."
In other news:
Snowy Valleys mayor James Hayes said this intersection has been problematic for decades and despite a significant amount of money poured into the area, the issue remains unchanged.
"I think while ever they try and Band-Aid the solution, it is not going to work," he said. "There has been a significant amount of money spent on it, but the alignment is still the same and still an issue."
But despite all this, Cr Hayes said he remains an "eternal optimist" and the public consultation phase is a good starting point to finding the permanent solution for this problematic intersection.
Residents are able to access an interactive map via nswroads.work/batlowroad where they can add comments to specific locations until August 31 at 5pm.
These comments will be captured and responded to in a consultation report, which will be made available to the community in the months following the close of consultation.