Further defects identified on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass have resulted in a full closure of the road.
Crews have been working around the clock carrying out thorough geotechnical assessments at Mitchell’s Causeway, also known as the Convict Bridge, after a defect was identified last Thursday on the eastbound lane.
Overnight, cracks were identified in the pavement of the westbound lane and geotechnical monitoring confirmed movement of the road’s sub structure.
This means both lanes are now closed between Lithgow and Mount Victoria until further notice, with diversions in place.
It will add around half an hour to the journey from Penrith to Bathurst.
Penrith is due to play Cronulla in Bathurst on Saturday night with thousands of Panthers fans making the trip.
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Road Maintenance and Resilience Matt Fuller said safety is the priority.
“Following 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,” Fuller said.
“This is an evolving and complex situation and we have no timeline for when we will be safely able to reopen the highway.”
“We 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.”
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.
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.
Details of the detours for general traffic and heavy vehicles are available at http://www.livetraffic.com.
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.