Contractor appointed for the Great Western Hwy at Victoria Pass project

The Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass is a step closer to reopening following the appointment of a successful contractor to deliver a new, more durable crossing at Mitchells Crossing.

Through the accelerated procurement process, Seymour Whyte has been chosen to build the new crossing that will restore the connection between the Blue Mountains and Central West.

Over the past few months, extensive geotechnical investigations have been carried out, which was a critical step in the procurement process, providing evidence needed to develop the proposal for a safe and fast reopening of the road.

Investigations confirmed the bedrock under Mitchells Causeway remains stable, and this enables a design that builds on the existing crossing rather than replacing it entirely.

“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.

“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 Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

A new bridge structure will be constructed over the existing Mitchells Causeway and it will be supported by deep piles anchored into the stable bedrock below. The new crossing will sit above, but independently of the convict-built causeway, which will be stabilised as part of the project.

While the project prioritises the restoration of this vital transport link as quickly and safely as possible, the new bridge at Mitchells Causeway has also been designed to meet the region’s future needs.

The structure will have the capability to accommodate an additional lane in the future, something that was never possible with the existing roadway.

Major construction will commence 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.

Transport for NSW will continue to provide regular construction updates to the community as works progress.

“Understandably, people across the Blue Mountains, Little Hartley, Lithgow and beyond into the Central West have wanted clarity so they can plan their lives. Today, we are giving you that clarity.

“For families, small businesses and freight operators, these past few months have been genuinely tough. The disruption and frustration has been real.

“I have fought for our communities for the day the Pass was closed; worked with the Premier, my Ministerial colleagues, government agencies and our local community to represent people’s needs and have their voices heard.

“This announcement is about more than contracts and timelines. We’re not just fixing what was there for the short-term – we’re building something better. A new structure, properly engineered and anchored into solid bedrock, built to last.

“To the Blue Mountain community – your patience throughout this challenging time is appreciated,” Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said.

Source: Transport for NSW

The New South Wales Government has also announced an expanded package of support for local businesses affected by the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

The additional $20 million funding package will increase the financial support available to small businesses most acutely affected and expand the businesses eligible for this financial assistance.

This funding package include:

• 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

More information on eligibility criteria as well as application process through NSW Rural Assistance Authority is available here.

This support builds on the measures already announced, including broader tourism initiatives and one-on-one business advisory services and workshops tat assist with contingency planning, cashflow and business adaptation.

“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.

“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 Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said.

“We are extending this $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,” Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said.

The New South Wales Government is also working with the organisers of upcoming major events in the region to minimise the impacts of road closure while construction of the new crossing is undertaken.

For the duration of the closure, provision of public transport services will continue, including extra rail, coach and bus services for Blue Mountains and Central West communities.

“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.

“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,” NSW Transport Secretary Josh Murray said.

“With my team we visited communities impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway and talked to many small businesses. I took what we heard from your experiences and this has been reflected in the expanded package. I thank you for taking the time to share your stories with me.

“For the rest of residents of NSW, with the coming school holidays and beyond, I encourage you to get out into the regions and visit the Central West, Blue Mountains and beyond – there are many ways to get there,” NSW Small Businesses Commissioner Kalina Koloff said.

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine