The Australian and NSW Governments have committed a combined $200 million to rebuild and future-proof the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, following the closure of Mitchell’s Causeway earlier this year.
The Australian Government has committed $100 million to the project, matching the $100 million allocated by the NSW Government in its 2026–27 State Budget.
Mitchell’s Causeway and Victoria Pass have been closed since March 2026 following the detection of serious cracking and ground movement, significantly impacting access along the Great Western Highway between the Blue Mountains and Central West.
Reconstruction underway
Transport for NSW has entered into an alliance contract with Seymour Whyte to deliver a permanent engineering solution, which will involve constructing a new road deck above the existing Mitchell’s Causeway supported by piles anchored into the bedrock below.
More than 150 workers have been inducted to deliver the project, with major reconstruction works now underway.
The Great Western Highway is currently expected to reopen to traffic in the second quarter of 2027.
Additional eastbound climbing lane
As part of the expanded $200 million project, an additional eastbound climbing lane will be constructed at Victoria Pass.
Work on the additional lane is expected to commence towards the end of the restoration works and will permanently widen this section of the highway.
Importantly for the freight industry, the additional capacity will provide motorists with greater opportunity to safely overtake slower-moving vehicles and heavy vehicles travelling eastbound.
The upgrade is intended to improve the long-term safety, resilience and capacity of this critical connection between the Central West and Blue Mountains, with benefits expected for freight operators, emergency services, local communities and businesses.
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