Further defects identified on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass have resulted in a full closure of the road.<\/p>\n
Crews have been working around the clock carrying out thorough geotechnical assessments at Mitchell\u2019s Causeway, also known as the Convict Bridge, after a defect was identified last Thursday on the eastbound lane.<\/p>\n
Overnight, cracks were identified in the pavement of the westbound lane and geotechnical monitoring confirmed movement of the road\u2019s sub structure.<\/p>\n
This means both lanes are now closed between Lithgow and Mount Victoria until further notice, with diversions in place.<\/p>\n
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Road Maintenance and Resilience Matt Fuller said safety is the priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing the information received in the early hours of this morning, we have closed both lanes of the highway to ensure safety for the travelling public,\u201d Mr Fuller said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an evolving and complex situation and we have no timeline for when we will be safely able to reopen the highway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank the community for its continued patience, while we undertake this critical work and acknowledge the frustration of the community and road users, including the freight industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Traffic on the Great Western Highway is being diverted at Lithgow to travel along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway before rejoining the highway at Mount Victoria.<\/p>\n
Heavy vehicle operators are advised that the detour along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway is suitable for general access vehicles and Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 1 heavy vehicles up to 20 metres long, but restricted access heavy vehicle operators who are unable to travel on an approved Notice Network are advised to delay their journeys.<\/p>\n
School buses are being diverted away from the area.<\/p>\n
Restricted access heavy vehicle operators who are unable to travel on a Notice Network and cannot delay their travel have been advised to contact the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to request an amended permit.<\/p>\n
Details of the detours for general traffic and heavy vehicles are available at\u00a0LiveTraffic.com<\/a>\u00a0and Transport for NSW will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Over the weekend there were no major traffic issues due to the eastbound lane closure and resulting detours.<\/p>\n