The Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass is set for a major upgrade, with the Australian and NSW Governments joining forces to rebuild Mitchell’s Causeway and deliver an additional eastbound climbing lane.
The Albanese Government has committed $100 million to the project, matching the $100 million allocated by the Minns Government in the 2026–27 NSW State Budget. The combined $200 million investment will rebuild the damaged road while improving the critical link between the Blue Mountains and the Central West.
Mitchell’s Causeway and Victoria Pass were closed in March 2026 after serious cracking and movement caused significant damage to the route. Transport for NSW subsequently investigated the site and developed a permanent engineering solution.
In June, the NSW Government entered an alliance contract with Seymour Whyte to construct a new road deck above the existing Causeway, supported by piles anchored into the bedrock below. More than 150 workers have been inducted, with major reconstruction works now underway.
The Great Western Highway is expected to reopen to traffic in the second quarter of 2027. As part of the project, an additional eastbound climbing lane will also be delivered, allowing motorists to safely overtake slowermoving vehicles and trucks and improving capacity along the route.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the closure had created significant challenges for communities and travel across the region.
“The Australian Government made an early commitment that we would work closely with the NSW Government to reopen the highway as quickly and safely as possible,” Ms King said.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the additional lane would ensure the investment went beyond simply repairing the existing infrastructure.
“We are looking beyond the immediate repair and investing in our Central West and Blue Mountains communities for the future,” Ms Aitchison said.
Blue Mountains State MP Trish Doyle said the additional capacity would be welcomed by residents and freight operators.
“It’s fantastic to see both levels of government working together to rebuild this critical route, while also ensuring it is safer, more resilient and better equipped to serve the community for years to come,” Ms Doyle said.
The $200 million project represents a significant investment in one of the region’s most important transport links, with the completed works expected to provide greater safety, reliability and capacity for communities and freight travelling between the Blue Mountains and Central West.
