Key facts
- The Victoria Pass section of the Great Western Highway in New South Wales will be closed for at least another year.
- Critical structural cracks were detected at Mitchells Causeway, a 194-year-old, convict-built infrastructure.
- A new structure will be built above the historic bridge.
- The road is expected to reopen between April and June next year.
- The NSW government is providing $20 million in financial support for affected small businesses and funding upgrades to detour routes.
The Great Western Highway's Victoria Pass section, a critical route connecting Sydney with New South Wales' central west, will remain closed for at least another year. Transport for NSW closed the road in March after detecting critical structural cracks in the 194-year-old, convict-built Mitchells Causeway, also known as "Convict Bridge".
The NSW government announced on Friday that a new structure will be built above the historic bridge, with construction set to begin within weeks. The road is now anticipated to reopen between April and June next year, a significantly longer closure than the initial three-month estimate.
Approximately 12,000 vehicles used the affected section daily, and its closure has necessitated major detours for commuters and motorists. The government stated that the convict-built causeway will be stabilised as part of the work, and the new structure is designed to potentially accommodate an additional lane in the future.
Civil engineering contractor Seymour Whyte has been selected for the construction. The state government has also allocated an additional $20 million in financial support for small businesses experiencing hardship in affected areas, increasing the grant amount to $25,000 and expanding eligibility. Ongoing logistical support, including free coaches and $50 million for detour route upgrades, will also be provided.
Despite the new timeline, the announcement has been met with skepticism from some residents and politicians, who doubt the completion date and question whether the planned upgrade is sufficient for future demands. Engineering experts, however, have described the plan to build an independent bridge deck as a practical and technically sound solution that addresses geotechnical challenges while preserving the historic causeway.