Great Western Highway to Remain Closed for Months; Premier Prioritizes Repairs Over Immediate Business Relief
News update based on the Premier Chris Minns Speech in the NSW Legislative Assembly
Sydney,18 march,2026
Premier Chris Minns has confirmed that the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass will likely remain closed for “at least three months,” warning that the historic route is currently “unsafe” following a major geotechnical failure.
While acknowledging the “devastating impacts” on local families, school children, and freight operators, the Premier signaled that immediate financial compensation for struggling businesses is not currently on the table, as the government directs all available capital toward the emergency reconstruction.
A “Fragile and Historic” Crisis
The closure follows the discovery of significant cracking and subsidence at Mitchell’s Causeway, a convict-built structure nearly 200 years old. Geotechnical experts and engineers have been on-site for the past week assessing the damage to the sub-structure.
“The truth of the matter is the causeway was built over a century ago,” Premier Minns told Parliament. “It’s unclear what fill was put on the side of the road, which has led to its subsidence issues. As it stands today, it is unsafe.”
The Premier emphasized that while the closure is a massive blow to the Central West—impacting hubs like Lithgow, Bathurst, and Orange—safety remains the absolute priority. “We will not risk lives,” he stated, echoing earlier comments from Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison.
Focus on Fixing, Not Funding
When pressed on whether the State or Federal governments would provide financial lifelines to businesses in Mount Victoria and Little Hartley—some of which report losing up to 70% of their revenue—the Premier was candid about the government’s current fiscal focus.
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Capital Allocation: “All of the funds and resources and capital that we currently have, we’re putting into fixing the road,” Minns said.
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Federal Talks: The Premier noted that the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) Minister has held “preliminary discussions” with the Commonwealth regarding long-term support, but no specific packages have been approved.
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The Bottom Line: “I don’t have an answer for that right now,” he admitted, insisting that the priority is understanding the long-term ramifications and getting the link reopened as quickly as possible.
Transport Contingencies and Detours
To mitigate the chaos, the government has announced a suite of transport alternatives starting this week:
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Rail: Additional Sydney Trains services between Bathurst and Mount Victoria.
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Coaches: Free “turn-up-and-go” accessible coaches running 12 daily services between Bathurst and Katoomba.
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Schooling: Amended routes for Lithgow Buslines to reduce travel times for students, some of whom have seen 10-minute commutes turn into two-hour marathons.
Bells Line of Road remains the primary detour for general traffic, though authorities warn of significant delays and urge heavy vehicle operators to use the Hume or Golden Highways where possible.
