The Forty Bends upgrade, along the Great Western Highway in New South Wales, is now complete.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the work was carried out as part of the Australian and New South Wales Governments’ $250 million Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow.
“The Great Western Highway is a critical transport link between Sydney and the central west of New South Wales, and these upgrades have provided much needed improvements for all drivers, including freight operators and tourists. While work was carried out, crews shifted more than 500,000 tonnes of spoil, installed more than 5.7km of wire rope safety barriers and used around 10,000 litres of paint to complete line marking along the upgrade,” Mr Chester said
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said she was pleased to see the road open in time for the December 2017 school holiday traffic.
“With thousands of motorists travelling on the Great Western Highway each day, it was essential this upgrade was delivered to ensure the safety of all road users. Many people visit this region to take in the stunning scenery and local hospitality, and this upgrade will benefit the local community throughout the year, including improved commute times and a safer trip,” Mrs Pavey said.
Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said the upgrades along the Great Western Highway would improve traffic flow and travel conditions for motorists.
“Protected deceleration lanes at key intersections have improved safety while widened road shoulders will improve access to and from the highway. Work on the Forty Bends project included widening the existing road to three lanes with the specific purpose of reducing the risk posed by black ice formation.
“More than 1,300 local jobs were created as a result of the project which is great news for the Blue Mountains and western regions,” Mr Gee said.
The Australian Government provided $64.7 million toward the Forty Bends upgrade.
