Closed highway gets $100m overtaking lane after community push
The Commonwealth has announced $100 million in funding for the repair of the Great Western Highway, matching the NSW government's commitment. The money will go towards the construction of an additional lane.
The Commonwealth government has committed $100 million to build an additional overtaking lane along the Great Western Highway, following community pressure. The $100 million funding matches the New South Wales government's commitment to repair the partially closed road. The highway has been shut since March, after cracks were discovered in the 200-year-old Mitchell's Causeway.
The restoration work is set to be completed in the second quarter of 2027, with no changes to the current timeline. Local Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, had raised concerns about the lack of funding for a third lane on social media. The new overtaking lane will enable heavy freight to climb up through the pass, making it easier for light vehicles to pass them.
The construction of the additional lane is expected to begin after the restoration works are finished.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
