18/07/2016
Motorists Travelling to Victoria via Snowy River Rd.
Snowy River Road closed due to landslip
VicRoads advises motorists the Snowy River Road is closed between Wulgulmerang and Suggan Buggan following a landslip caused by recent heavy rainfall.
As a result there is no through-access from Victoria to the New South Wales border via the Snowy River Road.
The usual detour for the area at McKillops Road has been closed following flood damage, and the only way to access the northern side of the slip is via New South Wales, which takes a full day.
VicRoads Director Eastern Region Scott Lawrence said less than 50 vehicles a day use the Snowy River Road, mostly locals travelling south.
“Most affected are locals north of the slip as they are without vehicle access to the south,” he said.
“The road to the north of the slip is less favourable for vehicles and we are working with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to improve access to Jindabyne.
“Motorists travelling through the area will have to take an alternate route.”
Eastern Region Alliance, on behalf of VicRoads is working with the communities of Suggan Buggan and Wulgulmerang to ensure their needs are being met.
“Alliance staff made a three-day journey, clearing snow along the way, to visit affected locals on the other side of the slip and update them on the situation and provide assistance,” Mr Lawrence said.
“Phone services are down and we have provided a local woman with a satellite phone.
“We’ve been working directly with the community on solutions and one of those is likely to include 4WD pool vehicles at either side of the slip.”
The road will remain closed indefinitely while a long term solution is investigated.
“The site has been assessed, geotechnical experts and construction engineers are now working on a solution,” Mr Lawrence said.
“The slip occurred in steep, rocky terrain. In fact this road was constructed in the early part of the 20th century with dry stone-fill, placed by hand.”
Mr Lawrence thanked residents and motorists for their patience and understands the inconvenience caused as a result of the closure.
He urged motorists to drive safely while the region was experiencing severe weather conditions and to be vigilant for debris and snow on the roads.
