The New South Wales government has announced that the Great Western Highway, a crucial route connecting Sydney and western NSW, will be closed for at least three months due to significant safety issues. The closure was prompted by the complete shutdown of the Victoria Pass earlier this week, which has been affected by cracking and structural movement in a historic bridge built by convicts. This situation has raised alarm about the overall safety of the highway, leading to a comprehensive response from state authorities.

Geotechnical assessments are scheduled to take about two weeks, followed by repair work that is expected to take an additional two months at minimum. Regional Roads and Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison emphasized the seriousness of the repairs needed, stating, "This is not a short-term repair job." The government is taking this matter seriously, making clear to residents that they deserve full transparency about the challenges and timelines involved in restoring this vital transport link.

To alleviate the impact on local communities affected by the closure, especially those in the Blue Mountains and Central West regions, the NSW government has announced the introduction of additional transport services, including trains, buses, and coaches. Minister Aitchison has been engaging with local residents to discuss their concerns, and she is expected to address the media at Victoria Pass soon, reinforcing the message of cooperation and support during this extended highway closure.