The Government of New South Wales aims to build Australia’s longest tunnel road under Blue Mountain, west of Sydney, as part of a “historical” infrastructure project.
When completed, the 11-kilometer tunnel will help reduce commuting between Blackheath and Mount Victoria as the final step in the planned 130-kilometer upgrade of the Great Western Highway.
The government has already promised to build 4.5-kilometer and 4-kilometer tunnels under Blackheath and Mount Victoria, respectively, and is currently considering the possibility of connecting the two.
“This proposal will combine these tunnels to create the longest road tunnel in the country,” said Vice Premier. John Barillaro said..
“This is a very complex and ambitious plan, but because we know how it makes a difference in the lives of commuters, local businesses that need access to Sydney, and vice versa. We’re working hard to make it happen, to families visiting relatives, and to commuters, “said Barillaro.
Local highway minister Paul Tour said the heavy traffic on Easter weekends highlighted the importance of the Great Western Highway.
“This is a very rewarding project, but when completed, it will provide dual roadways in both directions over 100 kilometers,” says Toole. “If after investigating a long tunnel and it is determined that it is not feasible, the community can be confident that it will proceed through the Blackheath tunnel and the Victoria Mountain tunnel.”
He said he was optimistic that the record-long tunnel would be approved and that the “history-building project” would become a “game changer” for both residents and visitors.
“The Great Western Highway is crowded, forming the area around Mount Victoria and Blackheath,” said Tool. Told to 2GB radio.. “Cars will actually crawl. Something really needs to happen in those areas.”
“In that section we’re replicating, the roads from Lithgow to Katoomba are closed every four days for an average of about 78 minutes,” says Toole. “It can cause simple collisions and breakdowns, causing massive … congestion in the area.”
The government has already promised $ 2.5 billion to build two separate tunnels.
Construction is expected to begin in Medrowbus in 2022, with a full upgrade expected to be completed in 8 to 10 years.