Transport for NSW closed the Victoria Pass section of the Great Western Highway in March after critical structural cracks were detected at Mitchells Causeway, a 194-year-old convict-built bridge. The NSW government announced on Friday that a new structure would be built above the bridge, with construction starting within weeks. The road is now expected to reopen between April and June next year, extending the closure by at least another year.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The bridge carried about 12,000 vehicles daily, and its closure has forced many commuters and motorists to make major detours to reach Sydney or other areas. The NSW government announced an additional $20m in financial support on Friday, increasing the grant amount for small businesses experiencing financial hardship in some areas from $10,000 to $25,000. The package also extends the eligible areas for support.
Minister for regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the financial relief would be paired with ongoing logistical support, including free coaches and $50m for upgrades to detour routes. The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District confirmed the updated timeline would not compromise local healthcare.
Community Skepticism
The announcement has been met with skepticism. NSW Liberals leader, Kellie Sloane, said: “There is white-hot anger in communities that have been cut off, and who will say this compensation package barely touches the sides. After months of delays and broken promises, Labor has finally admitted this closure will continue well into next year. Businesses simply cannot survive another 10 plus months without meaningful support.”
Nationals state MP for Bathurst, Paul Toole, shared the transport department’s media release on social media, quickly amassing over 100 comments, with many doubting the completion date. He said: “This isn’t just a local road closure, this is a state significant highway and a major economic issue … This announcement offers a timeline, but no confidence.”
Engineering and Future Upgrades
The new structure could allow for an additional lane in the future, something not possible with the current bridge. Civil engineering contractor Seymour Whyte was selected to construct the new crossing following an accelerated procurement process that drew 10 submissions.
Behzad Fatahi, professor of civil and geotechnical engineering at UTS, called the plan to build an independent bridge deck a “practical way forward”. He noted that widening a short section may create a traffic bottleneck further along where the highway narrows again. Maria Rashidi, associate professor at Western Sydney University, called the strategy a “technically sound and practical solution” that addresses underlying geotechnical issues while preserving the historic causeway. She said the proposed reopening timeline is achievable, barring unforeseen ground conditions or prolonged weather delays.
Blue Mountains MP, Trish Doyle, defended the project: “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.”
