The New South Wales Government has announced the successful contractor to deliver a new, more durable crossing at Mitchells Causeway.
Following an accelerated procurement process, Seymour Whyte has been selected to construct a new crossing which will restore the connection between the Blue Mountains and Central West while improving its long-term resilience.
Major construction will begin in July, with the road expected to reopen in the second quarter of the year.
The new crossing will see a bridge structure built over the existing Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piles anchored into the stable bedrock below.
While the priority is to restore the transport link as quickly and safely as possible, the new crossing has also been designed to meet the region’s future needs.
According to Transport for NSW, it will be capable of accommodating an additional lane in the future – something that was never possible with the existing roadway.
The NSW Government has also announced an additional $20 million funding package help small businesses most acutely affected by the closure of the Great Western Highway.
The funding will increase the financial support available while also expanding the number of businesses eligible.
The package includes:
- 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; and
- 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.
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, took the time to thank freight operators, businesses and families for their patience over the last couple of months.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
In other news, Hallett Group has secured a new transport and logistics partnership with BHP.
