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🇦🇺 Australia /Energy & Infrastructure

Closed highway gets $100m overtaking lane after community push

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Australian federal government has committed $100 million to build an additional eastbound climbing lane on the Great Western Highway in New South Wales.
  • This funding, matched by the NSW government, comes after community pressure and aims to improve traffic flow, especially for heavy vehicles.
  • The new lane will be constructed alongside restoration work on the Mitchell's Causeway, which has been closed since March, with the road's reopening still estimated for the second quarter of 2027.

Community advocacy has secured a significant funding commitment for the Great Western Highway in New South Wales, Australia. The federal government has pledged $100 million to construct an additional eastbound climbing lane, matching a similar contribution from the NSW government. This development follows sustained pressure from local residents and politicians for improved infrastructure.

We are working as hard as we can to try and bring that forward but [2027] is the estimated completion date.

— Jenny AitchisonNew South Wales Minister for Roads, commenting on the project timeline.

The Great Western Highway, a vital link between Sydney and Western New South Wales, has been partially closed at Mount Victoria since March due to structural concerns with the historic Mitchell's Causeway. The diversion of traffic onto the steep Chifley Road has caused considerable delays and impacted local businesses. The addition of a climbing lane is intended to ease congestion, particularly for slow-moving trucks and freight vehicles navigating the challenging terrain.

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, confirmed that the additional lane would not alter the project's overall timeline. While efforts are being made to expedite the reopening, the estimated completion date for the restoration works remains the second quarter of 2027. The new lane is designed to enhance efficiency, providing heavy freight with a much-needed climbing range and allowing lighter vehicles to overtake more easily.

They're only installing one lane each way over the Convict Bridge, so we're not going to get any better access.

— Andrew GeeLocal Member for Calare, expressing concern about initial plans on social media.

Original design plans had included provisions for a third lane, but initial government statements indicated a phased approach. The successful community push has now ensured this crucial infrastructure upgrade will be integrated into the ongoing restoration. The project involves extensive work, including constructing a new road deck supported by bedrock-anchored piles, with over 150 workers currently engaged.

The extra climbing lane will ensure that when heavy vehicles are on the pass, that the light vehicles will be able to pass them.

— Jenny AitchisonNew South Wales Minister for Roads, explaining the benefits of the additional lane.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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