Shoulder widening on Great Western Highway to improve cycling safety at Faulconbridge

The Australian and New South Wales governments have responded to the safety concerns of Blue Mountains cyclists with work to widen and seal the road shoulder beside the Great Western Highway at Faulconbridge are underway this month.

The project will include relocating and upgrading the roadside barrier and widening the westbound shoulder of the highway.

The Blue Mountains Cycling Safety Forum has worked closely with Transport for NSW on this important safety project and has welcomed the start of work.

Work started earlier this week and will be completed by December, weather permitting.

Work hours will between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. Some night shifts may also be required between 8pm and 5am from Monday to Friday.

Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety investments and initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“This $2 million safety upgrade work has been made possible with funding from the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program, which is delivering $540 million in road safety improvements across NSW. 

“This is a win for local and Sydney-based cyclists who regularly travel on this section of the highway and who were successful in putting forward their concerns about safety.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway:

“Our Great Western Highway Upgrade is securing a brighter future for the people of the central west and the Blue Mountians by making it easier to travel from western NSW to the east coast.

“By upgrading this section of road we will have a better piece of infrastructure meaning less wear and tear on vehicles while also ensuring a consistent road surface for cyclists in the area. 

“It’s time to make the Western Highway Great again for all road users and that is exactly what the NSW Government is doing.” 

Quotes attributable to Blue Mountains Cycling Safety Forum president David Tritton:

“We’re grateful that the Australian and NSW governments are addressing this now to make safe this section of the Great Western Highway for all road users.”