The main highway to the far south coast is still blocked after a landslip earlier this month, prompting a plea for Canberrans to use little-known roads to give struggling rural businesses a boost.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Snowy Mountains Highway was severely damaged in the landslip on March 1, forcing NSW Road and Maritime Services to close the road for repairs.
The road is expected to be reopened before Easter, and routine maintenance, including drain replacement and tree trimming, is also being conducted.
But Member for Monaro John Barilaro is concerned Canberrans are choosing to use the Kings Highway to reach the far south coast.
He has urged motorists to instead use the Mount Darragh Road, which runs between South Pambula and Bombala.
Mr Barilaro said local businesses in the area were struggling, and would welcome an injection of funds.
''I think a lot of Canberrans aren't aware that the alternate route to the far south coast is through Bombala and on Mount Darragh Road,'' he said.
Traffic heading down the Snowy Mountains Highway is being diverted along Mount Darragh Road.
Locals have previously raised concerns over whether the road can hold large volumes of traffic, but Mr Barilaro said it had been inspected by the Road and Maritime Services, which found it coping with the traffic load well.
Mr Barilaro was also concerned the closure of the Snowy Mountains Highway was creating congestion on the Kings Highway.
''It is a quicker route, it is a quicker trip to that part of the coast, and I just think a lot of Canberrans aren't aware that Mount Darragh Road is a secondary route,'' he said.
''We're talking about half-an-hour less travel to Pambula if you went down the Mount Darragh Road.''