T
he NSW Government will spend $50 million upgrading key detour routes across the Blue Mountains and Central West as traffic is redirected following the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.
The funding will go towards asphalting, shoulder widening and other corridor improvements along Darling Causeway, Chifley Road and Main Street in Lithgow. These roads are now carrying higher volumes of traffic, including freight and motorists who may not be familiar with the terrain.
Work is already underway, with crews completing more than 6,000 square metres of patching on Chifley Road and laying over 1,500 tonnes of asphalt on Darling Causeway in the past fortnight. Shoulder widening and refreshed line markings are also being carried out to support safer and smoother travel.
The closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass has been in place since 12 March, after serious cracking and ground movement were identified at Mitchell’s Causeway. Ongoing geotechnical investigations have confirmed the site remains unstable, and authorities have deemed it unsafe for traffic while assessments continue.
Transport for NSW is conducting engineering analysis and design work to determine the safest long-term repair approach. The Government has indicated further updates will be provided as this work progresses.
Other major routes into the Central West and Blue Mountains, including Bells Line of Road, the Golden Highway and Lachlan Valley Way, are being monitored and maintained to support ongoing travel during the disruption.
While motorists should expect longer journey times, the region remains accessible. Authorities are also encouraging visitors to continue travelling to the Blue Mountains and Central West over the Easter long weekend, with local businesses remaining open.
Additional public transport services have been introduced, including extra rail, coach and bus options for communities in the affected areas, as part of efforts to ease pressure on road networks.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the funding is aimed at improving the safety and reliability of routes now experiencing increased demand, while longer-term planning continues in parallel. She pointed to ongoing works already delivered on key roads, noting that crews are moving quickly to support traffic flow.
Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said the closure is placing pressure on local communities, and the funding will help maintain safer access while alternative transport options remain in place. She encouraged visitors to continue supporting local businesses across the region during the period of disruption.
Authorities say further updates will follow as engineering assessments continue and repair plans for Victoria Pass are refined.
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