NSW: Great Western Highway closure: important update on permits and detour access for PBS 2B and Class 1 heavy vehicles

Great Western Highway remains closed 

The section of the Great Western Highway between Little Hartley and Mount Victoria remains closed to all traffic.

The detour along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway remains suitable for general access vehicles and Performance Based Standards (PBS) heavy vehicles up to 20 metres long, and which pass PBS level 1 low speed swept path requirements and have a minimum startability performance of 13.2% for eastbound access.

Changes to Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 2B vehicle requirements 

From 19 June 2026, Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles will be required to submit documented evidence of vehicle performance standards to retain access to the detour route:

• Level 1 Low Speed Swept Path (LSSP) and

• 13.2 per cent startability for eastbound travel.

Operators have until 1 July 2026 to submit evidence to the NHVR via the NHVR Go portal to retain access to the detour within their permit. The NHVR will review this evidence and advise you of the outcome by 1 July 2026.

If you do not submit your evidence to the NHVR Go portal by 1 July 2026, your permit will be cancelled.

If your permit has been cancelled and you acquire the evidence stating you are able to meet the requirements, after the cancellation date, you will need to submit a new application (with applicable permit fee) in NHVRGO, the NHVR will forward to TfNSW to review and provide a decision.