The NSW Government is today providing certainty for communities impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass announcing the successful contractor to deliver a new, more durable crossing at Mitchells Causeway, with major construction to begin in July, and the road expected to reopen in the second quarter of next year.
The Government is also announcing an expanded package of support for local businesses affected by the closure.
The NSW Government knows the uncertainty of the past few months has been incredibly difficult for local communities.
While this process has taken time, there could be no shortcuts when it came to understanding the cause of the failure and determining the safest long-term solution.
Following an accelerated procurement process, Seymour Whyte has been selected to construct a new crossing that will restore the connection between the Blue Mountains and Central West while improving its long-term resilience.
Extensive geotechnical investigations carried out over the past few months were critical to the procurement process, providing the evidence needed to develop the proposal for the safest and fastest reopening.
The investigations confirmed the bedrock beneath Mitchells Causeway remains stable, enabling a design that builds on the existing crossing, rather than replacing it entirely.
The new crossing will see a bridge structure built over the existing Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piles anchored into the stable bedrock below. The new structure will sit above, but independently of the convict-built causeway, which will be stabilised as part of the work.
While the priority is restoring this vital transport link as quickly and safely as possible, the new crossing has also been designed to meet the region's future needs.
It will be capable of accommodating an additional lane in the future, something that was never possible with the existing roadway.
Major construction will begin as soon as possible in July, with specialist engineering and construction teams undertaking drilling, grouting and heavy piling activities to establish the deep foundations that will support a new, reliable and resilient crossing.
Transport for NSW will continue to provide the community with regular construction updates as work progresses on the new crossing.
Additional support for small businesses
The NSW Government understands the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass has and will continue to have a significant impact on local businesses and communities.
The NSW Government is today announcing an additional $20 million funding package which will increase the financial support available to small businesses most acutely affected and expand the number of businesses eligible for this financial assistance.
The package includes:
- Increasing the grant amount available to small businesses experiencing financial hardship in Mount Victoria, Hartley, Little Hartley and Hartley Vale from $10,000 up to $25,000.
- Expanding support to eligible businesses experiencing financial hardship to a wider area including suburbs in Lithgow, Oberon and Blackheath for grants of up to $10,000.
More information on eligibility criteria and application process through NSW Rural Assistance Authority is available at: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/gwh
This support will be in addition to the measures we have already announced including broader tourism initiatives and one-on-one business advisory services and workshops that assist with contingency planning, cashflow and business adaptation.
The NSW Government is also working with the organisers of major upcoming events in the region to minimise the impacts of the closure while construction of the new crossing is underway.
The uplift in public transport services, including extra rail, coach and bus services for Blue Mountains and Central West communities will continue for the duration of the closure.
Today's announcement provides greater certainty for communities, with a contractor appointed, a clear construction plan, support for local businesses and a clear pathway to reopening this critical connection.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"I want to acknowledge how difficult the past few months have been for families, businesses, freight operators and everyone who relies on this road every day. Thank you for your patience while we worked to find the safest and fastest way forward.
"In 109 days, we have completed thorough geotechnical testing, convened a global industry roundtable, run an accelerated procurement process with leading Australian and international engineering experts, and finalised both the contract and the solution to reopen this road.
"Today's news will not be easy to hear. I know it will mean sitting down at the kitchen table, working out how your family moves around and what the next year looks like in practice.
"But I want to reinforce what this also means: we have a timeline, contractor and major construction on the new crossing beginning in July. In tandem, the detour routes are being upgraded to make your journeys safer and easier going forward.
"The NSW Government will not apply a band-aid fix. We are building a new crossing designed to serve local communities and freight for the next 100 years - because this community deserves a permanent solution, not a temporary fix."
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said
"We understand the major impact the closure of the Great Western Highway has had on local businesses and communities, and we are committed to providing targeted support where it is needed most.
"This $20 million package will expand assistance to more businesses and increase grants for those hardest hit.
"By increasing grants in the most affected areas and introducing further support for additional communities, this will go towards helping businesses through this challenging period.
"Alongside financial relief, we are maintaining public transport services and working with major event organisers to keep communities connected while construction progresses toward reopening this critical route."
Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:
"When we announced the initial $3.6 million support package in May, I said it was a modest start and that we were entirely open to providing more support as the situation evolved. Today, we are delivering on that promise.
"We are extending the $10,000 grant to a broader area and for those four suburbs where we have been advised are suffering substantially, we are increasing their support to $25,000.
"We know this support isn't going to solve every challenge for small businesses. But, we hope it will ease some of the pressures and give businesses greater certainty to plan now we have a clearer timeline for the road's closure.
"The Small Business Commission has been on the ground, running workshops and talking directly to shop owners, operators, and regional stakeholders. This $20 million expansion is a direct result of that community consultation. We hear you, we know this extended closure is incredibly tough, and we are backing you through it."
NSW Transport Secretary, Josh Murray said:
"I'd like to acknowledge the construction and engineering industry for embracing a new, faster way of working. Their expertise and willingness to collaborate has enabled us to move quickly while undertaking the rigorous investigations and planning needed to get this right.
"While construction is underway, we'll continue supporting communities through enhanced public transport services, free coaches, $50 million in ongoing upgrades to detour routes and round the clock emergency focus, making sure people and freight can keep moving while this critical work is delivered."
NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff said:
"With my team we visited communities impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway and talked to many small businesses. I took what we heard from your experiences and this has been reflected in the expanded package. I thank you for taking the time to share your stories with me.
"For the rest of residents of NSW, with the coming school holidays and beyond, I encourage you to get out into the regions and visit the Central West, Blue Mountains and beyond - there are many ways to get there."
Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said:
"Understandably, people across the Blue Mountains, Little Hartley, Lithgow and beyond into the Central West have wanted clarity so they can plan their lives. Today, we are giving you that clarity.
"For families, small businesses and freight operators, these past few months have been genuinely tough. The disruption and frustration has been real.
"I have fought for our communities from the day the Pass was closed; worked with the Premier, my Ministerial colleagues, government agencies and our local community to represent people's needs and have their voices heard.
"This announcement is about more than contracts and timelines. We're not just fixing what was there for the short term - we're building something better. A new structure, properly engineered & anchored into solid bedrock, built to last."
"To the Blue Mountains community - your patience throughout this challenging time is appreciated."
