New bridge announced but Great Western Highway closed for another year

New South Wales authorities have announced the construction of a new bridge at Mitchell's Causeway on the Great Western Highway, a vital route connecting Sydney with the state's central west. Construction is slated to commence within weeks, with the road anticipated to reopen approximately one year from now. The new crossing will be built above the existing 200-year-old structure, which has been closed since March due to detected cracks and instability at Victoria Pass. This closure has led to lengthy diversions for commuters and trucks, significantly impacting local businesses. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison stated the bridge will be supported by deep piles anchored into bedrock, allowing for the stabilization and preservation of the old causeway and potentially accommodating an additional lane in the future. In response to the economic fallout from the prolonged closure, the state government is allocating an additional $20 million to bolster financial support for affected small businesses. Grants will range from $10,000 to $25,000, expanding upon an earlier $3.5 million package. The support is now available to eligible businesses in a wider area, including Lithgow, Oberon, and Blackheath, beyond the initially designated Mount Victoria, Hartley, Little Hartley, and Hartley Vale. Seymour Whyte has been selected as the construction contractor following an accelerated procurement process.

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The new crossing will be located, as we've thought, on the same alignment, supported by deep piles anchored into the bedrock. The bridge will be constructed above the existing causeway, which will enable [it] to be stabilised and preserved and also allow for a future additional lane.