NSW: Great Western Highway Update – Heavy Vehicle Restrictions at Victoria Pass
Road Conditions
(13 August, 2026)
Source: TfNSW
Heavy vehicle operators are being reminded of current access restrictions following the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass and the implementation of the temporary detour route.
Current Detour Arrangements
The temporary detour is operating via Main Street, Mort Street, Chifley Road and Darling Causeway.
The route is suitable for:
General access vehicles
PBS vehicles up to 20 metres in length, provided they:
demonstrate minimum startability performance of 13.2% for eastbound travel.
PBS Level 2A vehicles meeting the above performance requirements, subject to an NHVR access permit.
Class 2 Vehicle Carriers with a laden length of up to 21.4 metres, subject to an NHVR access permit.
OSOM vehicles and Special Purpose Vehicles with an origin or destination located on the detour route may be considered for access, subject to an NHVR access permit and additional access conditions.
Heavy Vehicle Access
Operators should confirm approved access conditions before travelling through the corridor and ensure their vehicle combination is permitted to use the detour route.
Where access is subject to a permit, operators must obtain the relevant NHVR access permit prior to travel.
B-double Restrictions
B-doubles exceeding 19 metres in length are not approved to use the detour route.
The Great Western Highway between Emu Plains and Marrangaroo was not previously approved for B-doubles exceeding 19 metres.
Recent instances of 25 and 26 metre B-doubles entering the detour route have resulted in significant traffic disruption and safety risks. These combinations cannot be safely accommodated on the route and may require traffic management and escort arrangements to turn around.
Operator Advice
To support safe and efficient freight movements through the corridor, operators are reminded to:
check NHVR Go for approved access conditions before travelling
only travel on roads approved under the relevant permit or notice
delay travel where suitable access is unavailable.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and NSW Police have increased their presence in the area to support compliance with the current restrictions.
Further Information
Operators can check NHVR Go for approved heavy vehicle access conditions and requirements.
Current information on the Great Western Highway closure, detour arrangements and traffic conditions is also available through Live Traffic NSW.
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