A new 70-metre bridge at the centre of the Great Western Highway upgrade at Little Hartley is now open to traffic.
The new two-span bridge is 15 metres wide and links road users up and across a new section of the highway to the local road network extending west to Jenolan Caves.
“Having the newly constructed bridge open to traffic means motorists can start to experience the benefits of our major upgrade through this section of the Great Western Highway, with more positives to come once the whole project is complete,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
“Our commitment to this project is demonstrated by the recent Federal Budget commitment of $116 million, as part of providing over $3.1 billion to NSW over the next 10 years for new and existing projects.”
As well as the concrete and gravel, 300 tonnes of steel was used to build the road bridge, which rests on 14 precast Super T girders, which are each 34 metres long and weigh 60 tonnes.
Over 300 tonnes of steel were used to construct the bridge. Image: Jenny Aitchison MPCompletion of the grade-separated interchange at Coxs River Road is part of the $232 million jointly funded Great Western Highway project that aims to improve safety and efficiency.
Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain added, “It was fantastic to visit the Coxs River Road Upgrade recently – which will make it easier for locals and tourists to get around, and keep our freight vehicles moving efficiently.
“That’s exactly what’s happening with this new bridge now open. It will improve road safety and unlock new economic opportunities in the Central West of NSW – a fast-growing part of the state.”
The project, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Government, involves widening and realigning 2.4 kilometres of the Great Western Highway, from east of Mid Hartley Road to east of Coxs River Road into two lanes in each direction.
Work will now be focused on completing the 2.4-kilometre new section of dual-lane, separated Great Western Highway.
The Coxs River Road Upgrade is on track to be completed in 2025.
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