The jointly funded $250 million Great Western Highway safety upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow has been delivered, with safety works at Blackheath now complete.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said the recently-completed works would deliver safer, faster and more reliable journeys for those travelling in, around and through the Blue Mountains.
“In 2012, the Federal and NSW Governments committed $250 million to improve traffic flow and safety on the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow,” he said.
“Work started in 2013 and included a three-lane upgrade at Forty Bends and safety upgrade through Hartley Valley. Safety upgrades in Mount Victoria village and the safety upgrade work at Blackheath opened to traffic in December last year.”
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said the state government is moving forward with its broader commitment to duplicate the highway between Katoomba and Lithgow.
“As someone who drives the Great Western Highway regularly, I know this project will deliver a safer route over the mountains, and in all weather conditions,” he said.
According to NSW Senator Marise Payne, the completion of the upgrade caps off a “mammoth infrastructure project” for the Blue Mountains.
“From day one, this significant project has been all about ensuring motorists can get home safer and sooner,” she said.
“The vital safety upgrade at Blackheath is a good example of that, with new dedicated turning lanes at the well-known Govetts Leap Road and Bundarra Street pinch point.”
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