The NSW Government have announced plans are underway for upgrades to the state’s central west, with a Blackheath and Mount Victoria bypass, duplication of the Great Western Highway and immediate upgrades to the Bells Line of road corridor.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the plans to duplicate 30 kilometres of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Forty Bends were underway and will provide a safe and efficient link between Central West NSW and the Sydney Motorway network. 
“This is great news for the people of the Blue Mountains and Central West. From today we are planning the long awaited bypassing of Blackheath and Mount Victoria which will make our roads safer while slashing travel times,” Ms Pavey said.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance has announced a multi-agency taskforce to be assembled in Bathurst to deliver a transport masterplan.
“This region will be the first to take part in a community based integrated freight and transport plan which will improve connectivity with the Central West,” Mr Constance said.
NSW Regional Infrastructure Coordinator Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie will lead engagement between industry, local government and community.
Parliamentary Secretary for Western New South Wales Rick Colless said shovels were ready for a number of projects along the Bells Line or Road corridor, including upgrades to Chifley Road.
“We have already invested $48 million on the Bells Line of Road corridor improvement program which included installing overtaking lanes, stabilising slopes and widening existing lanes to improve safety and travel times for road users,” Mr Colless said.
Related stories:
- Safety works complete on Great Western Highway upgrade at Mount Victoria village
- Great Western Highway upgrade at Kelso in NSW completed early
- NSW Gov release plans for future road and rail corridors