The NSW Government has appointed a contractor to deliver a new, more durable crossing for the Great Western Highway at Mitchells Causeway in the Blue Mountains, with major construction to begin in July, and the road expected to reopen in the second quarter of next year.
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, said Roads Minister, Jenny Aitchison. 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.
“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,” said Minister Aitchison.
“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.”
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, she said.
“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.
The Government also announced an expanded package of support for local businesses affected by the closure, with an additional $20 million funding package to increase the financial support available to small businesses most acutely affected and expand the number of businesses eligible for financial assistance.
“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,” said Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.
“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.”
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.
This support will be in addition to the measures already announced including broader tourism initiatives and one-on-one business advisory services and workshops that assist with contingency planning, cashflow and business adaptation.
“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,” said Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin.
“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.”
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.
More information on eligibility criteria and application process through NSW Rural Assistance Authority is available at: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/gwh.
