Consultation begins on $100m Bells Line of Road safety upgrades

The Australian and New South Wales Governments are inviting the community, businesses and industry to have their say on the upgrades to be prioritised for delivery, which will create a safer future for motorists travelling the Bells Line of Road. 

The Bells Line of Road is one of only two major crossings over the Blue Mountains. 

The Federal Government has invested $100 million towards the package of targeted safety improvements on this critical link between Sydney and the Central West. 

The State Government, on the other hand, will be responsible for delivering the work alongside engineering specialist firm Civil Consulting and Highway Design (CCHD) Pty Ltd who has been appointed as the successful tenderer to investigate and identify strategic upgrade options. 

“This $100 million investment is about protecting people and supporting communities along one of the state’s most important regional corridors. 

“When the Great Western Highway closes because of weather or incidents, the Bells Line of Road becomes the only crossing of the Blue Mountains, so its safety and resilience are absolutely vital. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the Minns Government to make sure this route can safely handle the growing demands of freight, tourism and everyday travel,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

“The Bells Line of Road is not just a vital link, it’s part of our daily lives in the Mountains. 

“We fought hard to secure this $100 million investment because we know how critical it is to improve safety, protect wildlife and support local tourism and freight. 

“This is another example of Labor governments working together to deliver for regional communities and listen to the people who know these roads best,” Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said. 

Map of proposed projects (source: Transport for NSW)

Transport for NSW and CCHD have worked closely with local councils as well as other stakeholders to better understand the challenges motorists face when travelling on the Bells Line of Road. From investigations and discussions, Transport for NSW has produced a shortlist of potential projects. 

From 17 November until 14 December, road users can provide feedback on the shortlist, which includes curve widenings, intersection upgrades, new heavy-vehicle rest areas, shoulder widening, safety barriers and fauna protection. 

Feedback can be provided online or by attending a community drop-in session at Kurrajong, Bilpin, Mount Tomah and North Richmond. 

“This is about saving lives on one of the most spectacular, and most challenging, roads in New South Wales. 

“Every day, thousands of locals, tourists and freight operators use this route, and every kilometre we make safer brings us closer to our goal of zero fatalities on NSW roads. 

“The Bells Line of Road presents unique geographical challenges, but through smart, targeted projects, including widening dangerous curves and improving signage, we can make a real difference for everyone who relies on it. 

“We’re proud to be working hand-in-hand with the Albanese Government to deliver practical, life-saving upgrades that will make regional travel safer and more reliable,” NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said. 

“People in the Mountains know all too well how dangerous and unpredictable the Bells Line of Road can be. 

“We’ve had landslips, heavy rain, traffic closures and heartbreaking crashes. This funding will help make the road safer for everyone – locals, tradies, truckies and visitors alike. 

“I urge everyone who drives this road to get involved and share their views so we can make sure these upgrades deliver the best outcomes for our community,” NSW Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); NSW Government – Have Your Say