Major construction is beginning on the new bridge structure over and above the historic Mitchells Causeway in the Blue Mountains following an accelerated procurement process to restore the vital transport link.
The sandstone causeway at Victoria Pass, built by convicts for use by horse-drawn vehicles, was opened in 1832. However, the road was closed in March this year after Transport for NSW (TfNSW) found a small hole in the road surface. Large stress fractures were soon evident, and the 194-year-old roadway had to be closed. Prior to this around 12,000 vehicles, including semi-trailers, used the route between Mount Victoria and Lithgow daily.
Extensive geotechnical investigations were carried out over recent months to determine the safest and fastest solution for reopening the vital traffic corridor. Josh Murray, NSW Transport Secretary, praised those involved: “I’d like to acknowledge the construction and engineering industry for embracing a new, faster way of working.”
The investigations confirmed the bedrock beneath the historic structure remained stable, enabling a design to be built on the existing crossing rather than replacing it. TfNSW awarded the Mitchell Causeway contract to Seymour Whyte earlier in July.
“The new crossing will feature a bridge structure built over the existing Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piles anchored into the stable bedrock below,” the company stated. “The new structure will sit above, but independently of the convict-built causeway, which will also be stabilised as part of the works.”
With major construction now underway, specialist engineering and construction teams are undertaking drilling, grouting, and heavy piling activities to establish the deep foundations for the new bridge.
The new bridge will accommodate an additional lane, which was impossible with the existing roadway. The new crossing is expected to open towards mid-2027.
Image: Investigations on the Mitchells Causeway. Source: Central Western Daily.
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Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com