NSW
An upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow that’s being labelled a “game changer” by the NSW Government is now a step closer to reality with work on the western section set to start in March.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, announced Ertech had been awarded the contract for work on a new interchange at Cox Rivers Road in Little Hartley.
“This is another step forward in our plan to deliver a better road through the mountains for the thousands of people who use the Great Western Highway every day,” Mr Toole said.
“The Coxs River Road intersection is at the western foot of the Blue Mountains and is the gateway for thousands of vehicles every day, either making their way over the mountains towards Sydney or towards the Central West.
“From next month, we’ll see work start to duplicate 2.4 kilometres of existing highway at Little Hartley to create a four-lane divided carriageway and a safer, faster trip for motorists.
The new interchange will ensure motorists can safely travel over the new highway, and work will also include realigning parts of the existing highway to create a local service road, and upgrades to the intersections with Browns Gap Road and Baaners Lane.
“These upgrades will reduce highway traffic through the historic township of Little Hartley, making the area more pleasant for locals and visitors alike,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway said the new Coxs River Road interchange was a significant milestone as it marked the start of work on the west section of the Great Western Highway Upgrade.
“Once completed, the west section is planned to connect to what will be Australia’s longest tunnel between Little Hartley and Blackheath, and continue on through a surface upgrade between Blackheath and Katoomba, more than doubling the highway’s capacity between Katoomba and Lithgow,” Mr Farraway said.
“The announcement of an award of contract for the Coxs River Road interchange is a significant and exciting step forward in the Great Western Highway Upgrade and follows the award of contract for the upgrade of the Medlow Bath section to Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure in December.”
Early work at Coxs River Road began in September last year, with relocation of overhead powerlines and underground communication assets underway in preparation for the major construction work.
