$2.5 billion Great Western Highway duplication approved
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government have approved the duplication of the full 31km stretch of the Great Western Highway, from Katoomba to Lithgow, by 2028.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will begin construction and design on $2.5 billion of upgrades in the next term of government.
Construction will begin in the following locations:
- Medlow Bath Upgrade
- Mount Victoria Bypass
- Jenolan Caves Road to South Bowenfels
Planning and design will begin on:
- Katoomba to Medlow Bath
- Medlow Bath to Blackheath
- Blackheath Bypass Tunnel
- Blackheath to Mount Victoria
Mr Barilaro said the full duplication from Katoomba to Lithgow will deliver much improved safety and efficiency, improve freight access and cut travel times and the road toll.
Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, welcomed the news, “The population in the Central West region is expected to grow by around eight per cent over the next 20 years, with the total number of vehicles travelling along the highway west of Katoomba expected to increase by at least 1.5 per cent each year.”
Mr Toole said. “The Great Western Highway duplication project will not only improve road safety and access, it will generate thousands of local jobs, primarily in construction and engineering but also in the many service sectors required to support such an enormous enterprise."
The NSW Liberals & Nationals is currently undertaking $250 million in safety upgrades between Katoomba and Lithgow and has already completed upgrades on parts of the Great Western Highway between Emu Plains and Katoomba.
Great Western Highway upgrades are to be delivered as part of a 10-year program.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will seek funding from the Federal Government to assist with the task.