Australian Govt commits $2bn to deliver NSW Great Western Hwy Upgrade

The game-changing Great Western Highway Upgrade Program between Katoomba and Lithgow in New South Wales is a step closer to becoming a reality as the Australian Government commits a $2.03 billion funding towards the delivery of the East and West sections of the project. 

This significant investment is included in to 2021-22 Budget and it is delivered on top of the $2.5 billion already committed by the New South Wales Government. 

“The Australian Government is backing in the plan to transform the Great Western Highway, because we know what a difference this landmark project will make each and every day to communities in the Blue Mountains and west of the Divide. 

“This project will end the grid-lock and deliver, more reliable journeys along the highway,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The East and West sections of the project is already taking shape and the designs for the Cox’s River Road intersection as well as the Medlow Bath upgrade are going to be released soon. 

“This is the last major highway out of Sydney that’s not dual-carriageway, and that’s not good enough for the thousands of motorists from Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Central West who use it daily. 

“The NSW Government is also pushing ahead with work on the Central section including investigations into building Australia’s longest road tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley, cutting out the Victoria Pass and Blackheath gridlocks during peak hours,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said. 

According to Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher, the Great Western Highway Upgrade is one of Australia’s largest single new infrastructure investments and it is anticipated to support over 2,500 jobs – including opportunities for local businesses and contractors. 

“By alleviating congestion along critical roads like this, we’re helping people to get home to their families sooner and more safely, we’re helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we’re generating jobs across the country. 

“This one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping drive Australia’s world-leading economic recovery,” Minister Fletcher said. 

Artist impression of the road tunnel (source: Liberal New South Wales)

The Great Western Upgrade Program will consist of: 

• Medlow Bath Upgrade – An upgrade and duplication of the existing surface road corridor with intersection improvements and a new pedestrian bridge. The Review of Environmental Factors is going to be exhibited for consultation in June 2021, with construction to commence by late 2022. 
• East Upgrade (Katoomba to Medlow Bath and Medlow Bath to Blackheath) – Upgrade, duplication and widening of the existing surface road corridor, with connections to a tunnel portal at Blackheath. Review of Environmental Factors is set to be exhibited for consultation in October 2021. 
• West Upgrade (Little Hartley to Lithgow) – Upgrade, duplication and widening of the existing surface road corridor, with connections to a tunnel portal at Little Hartley. Review of Environmental Factors are going to be exhibited for consultation in October 2021. 
• Central Upgrade (Blackheath to Little Hartley) – Construction of a tunnel bypass of Blackheath and Mount Victoria, with connectivity between the two proposed tunnels currently under further investigation. The Environmental Impact Statement is set to be exhibited for consultation in mid-2022. 

“A strong, reliable and safe connection over the Mountains is critical to ensure more people can travel to and from regional NSW for work and tourism. 

“That’s why the Australian Government has invested in the East and West sections, which will be the first to kick off with designs to be released to the community in coming weeks – which means motorists will benefit sooner,” Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said. 

The timely release of concept designs as well as the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Medlow Bath upgrade expresses how serious the State Government is at delivering a safer and smoother highway. 

“As a local, I see the congestion that stops locals moving around their own towns, and the impact a single accident can have in closing off the highway for hours at a time, which is why I’m so excited that this project is now a step closer to reality. 

“Medlow Bath has been promised as the first cab off the rank, and with the upcoming release of the REF ahead of construction starting in late 2022, the community can see that we’re delivering on that promise,” NSW Member of the Legislative Council Shayne Mallard said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; NSW Government – Transport for NSW