A new four-lane section of the Great Western Highway is now open to traffic at the foot of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, delivering an improved link between Sydney and the state’s Central West.
The $232 million Coxs River Road Upgrade at Hartley has been jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales governments.
All Great Western Highway traffic was switched to the new 2.4-kilometre alignment on Tuesday 9 April.
The 70-metre long road bridge will take local traffic safely on Coxs River Road over the new four lanes of highway traffic.
The bridge and road have been built from locally sourced materials including concrete from Lithgow and quarry materials from Oberon. The bridge rests on 14 precast Super T girders, each one 34 metres long and weighing 60 tonnes.
With the new alignment now open to traffic, crews will remain on-site for a few more months to complete shared path and landscaping along the old highway.
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Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads said the upgrade will help improve safety and cut congestion for motorists along a key regional route.
“I’d like to thank local businesses and community members for their patience as this upgrade work was carried out,” said Aitchison.
“I’d also like to thank the more than 530 workers who helped make this important project possible.
“They’ve done a fantastic job and I was very happy to hear 30 per cent of the workforce came from local communities.”
Stephen Lawrence MLC, Bathurst spokesperson said the project was delivered in sometimes challenging conditions.
“Landscaping and construction of a shared path on the old highway are expected to continue for another few months,” he said.
“While the Coxs River Road Upgrade has also delivered a realignment of the old highway to create a service road for local businesses, upgraded junctions at Browns Gap Road, Coxs River Road and Ambermere Drive, and a U-turn bay on Baaners Lane.”
For more information, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
