On Wednesday RMS said the second closure – to finish the installation of rock fall fencing – would be a 10-week period from August 28 to November 3.

The pass will reopen for the October long weekend.

An RMS spokesman said the closure was timed for when the numbers of vehicles on the pass dropped.

“This time of year generally has lower traffic volumes on a comparative yearly average, which include the October school holidays,” the spokesman said.

“The first week of the 2016 closure fell in the second week of these school holidays, when traffic volumes were lower than normal.

“The timing of the second closure will allow residents and businesses to plan well and in advance and avoids the busy summer peak when traffic volumes are higher.

“The timing also avoids scheduled track work and rail closures.”

The spokesman said a number of options were considered before opting for another full closure.

“Some options reviewed included working with one lane open, which was considered unsafe for workers and motorists, opening and closing the road during peak hours which would add around six hours to daily activities, increase the costs and involve moving machinery each day to ensure the road was safe,” the RMS spokesman said.

“Working only at night was also considered but was unsuitable as some activities need to be carried out during daylight for worker safety.”

As well as installing 500 metres of fencing, crews will also carry out slope stabilisation work.

The first closure – from October to December last year – saw 600 metres of the fence installed at the lower end of the pass from the hairpin bend.

Vegetation is beginning to grow over the fencing, obscuring the “prison-like” qualities some complained about after the reopening.