The NSW Government has awarded a contract to build a new crossing at Mitchells Causeway, paving the way for the reopening of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass after months of closure.
Major construction is expected to begin in July, with the highway scheduled to reopen in the second quarter of next year.
The government has selected Seymour Whyte to deliver the new crossing following an accelerated procurement process. The project follows extensive geotechnical investigations that found the bedrock beneath Mitchells Causeway remains stable, allowing a new bridge structure to be built over the existing causeway rather than replacing it completely.
The new crossing will be supported by deep piles anchored into stable bedrock and will sit independently above the existing convict-built causeway, which will also be stabilised as part of the project.
The design also allows for an additional traffic lane to be added in the future, something that was not possible with the existing road.
As part of the announcement, the NSW Government has also unveiled an additional $20 million support package for businesses affected by the highway closure.
The package increases hardship grants for eligible businesses in Mount Victoria, Hartley, Little Hartley and Hartley Vale from $10,000 to $25,000. It also expands eligibility for grants of up to $10,000 to businesses in additional areas including Lithgow, Oberon and Blackheath.
The funding builds on previously announced support measures, including tourism initiatives, business advisory services and workshops. Extra rail, coach and bus services for Blue Mountains and Central West communities will also continue while the highway remains closed.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the government had worked to find the safest long-term solution.
“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,” she said.
“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 the additional funding would provide more targeted support for businesses.
“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,” she said.
“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 the government was responding to feedback from affected businesses.
“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 industry collaboration had helped accelerate the project.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
