The New South Wales Government has announced a contractor to deliver a new, durable crossing for Mitchells Causeway on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

Seymour Whyte has been selected to construct the crossing and restore the connection between the Blue Mountains and Central West, after being shortlisted for the project last month.

The highway was closed in March after a defect in the road over Mitchells Causeway was discovered, in addition to further stress fractures forming on westbound lanes.

Extensive geotechnical investigations carried out throughout April and May were critical to the procurement process, providing the evidence needed to develop a proposal for the safest and fastest reopening of the highway.

The investigations confirmed the bedrock beneath Mitchells Causeway remains stable, enabling a design that builds on the existing crossing rather than replacing it quickly.

The new crossing will see a bridge structure built over the existing Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piles anchored into the stable bedrock below. The new structure will sit above, but independently of the convict-built causeway, which will be stabilised as part of the work.

Major construction will begin as soon as possible in July, with specialist engineering and construction teams undertaking drilling, grouting and heavy piling activities to establish the deep foundations that will support a new, reliable and resilient crossing.

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“We have a timeline, contractor and major construction on the new crossing beginning in July,” said Jenny Aitchison, State Minister for Roads.

“In tandem, 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.”

The State Government has also announced an additional $20 million funding package, which will increase the financial support available to small businesses most acutely affected and expand the number of businesses eligible for this financial assistance.

“We understand the major impact the closure of the Great Western Highway has had on local businesses and communities, and we are committed to providing targeted support where it is needed most,” said Tara Moriarty, State Minister for Regional NSW.

“This $20 million package will expand assistance to more businesses and increase grants for those hardest hit.

“By increasing grants in the most affected areas and introducing further support for additional communities, this will go towards helping businesses through this challenging period.”