BLUE MOUNTAINS — The New South Wales government announced in November 2024 a plan to construct a new structure above Mitchells Causeway on the Great Western Highway, with work scheduled to begin within weeks. The Victoria Pass section of the highway is expected to reopen between April and June of the following year.

Transport for NSW closed the Victoria Pass section in March 2024 after engineers detected critical structural cracks at Mitchells Causeway. The 194-year-old causeway, built by convicts, was previously used by approximately 12,000 vehicles. Civil engineering contractor Seymour Whyte was selected to construct the new crossing following an accelerated procurement process that received 10 submissions.

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison stated in March that the road would remain closed for at least three months. The state government announced an additional $20 million in financial support in November. The grant for small businesses experiencing financial hardship in some areas increased from $10,000 to $25,000, and the financial support package extends the areas eligible to receive assistance.

The government will also provide free coaches and spend $50 million on ongoing upgrades to detour routes. NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty stated that the financial relief would be combined with ongoing logistical support to maintain community connections. The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District stated that the updated timeline would not compromise local healthcare.

The NSW government stated the convict-built causeway would be stabilized as part of the construction work. The new structure could allow for an additional lane in the future. Nationals state MP for Bathurst Paul Toole shared the transport department's media release on social media, where he received more than 100 comments, with many expressing doubts about the completion date.

Maria Rashidi, an associate professor and director of research at Western Sydney University's school of engineering, called the strategy a "technically sound and practical solution" that addresses underlying geotechnical issues while preserving the historic causeway. "The proposed reopening between April and June next year is an achievable target," Rashidi said. "As with any major infrastructure project in a geologically challenging environment, some uncertainty remains, but this approach offers the best long-term outcome for safety, resilience, and reliability."