Transport peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed the NSW government’s confirmation that a contractor has been appointed to deliver the new Mitchells Causeway crossing and providing a timeline for the reopening of the Great Western Highway.
The appointment of Seymour Whyte and the commitment to begin major construction in July, with the highway expected to reopen in the second quarter of 2027, provides much-needed certainty for the freight industry after months of disruption according to the association.
The announcement also included an expanded package of financial support for eligible small businesses within specific postcodes impacted by the closure.
RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara says the construction milestone is an important step forward, but freight operators travelling this detour continue to face significant financial impacts as they are not located within postcodes eligible for a grant.
“After months of uncertainty, having a contractor appointed and a clear pathway to reopening is welcome news for everyone who relies on this vital freight corridor,” O’Hara says.
“Importantly, we want this road to reopen as soon as possible, so it’s imperative that the contractor delivers the work to the proposed timeline – it’s extremely important that freight operators aren’t forced to withstand the detour even longer.
“Since the closure, freight operators have been forced onto lengthy detours, increasing fuel costs, driver hours, vehicle wear and tear and delivery times, with many transport businesses absorbing those costs to maintain essential supply chains.
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“While we welcome the government’s expanded support for local businesses, freight operators are still carrying the financial burden of this closure every day without equivalent assistance.”
RFNSW has consistently advocated for targeted support for transport operators affected by the prolonged closure, including raising the issue directly with the NSW government and through recent media and stakeholder advocacy.
O’Hara says the freight industry has continued to deliver essential goods to regional communities despite the disruption and should not be overlooked as construction continues.
“Freight operators have kept regional NSW supplied throughout this closure and deserve to be recognised in the government’s support measures until this critical route reopens,” he says.
RFNSW says it looks forward to seeing construction progress over the coming months, and would continue working constructively with the NSW government to ensure the impacts on freight operators remain front of mind throughout the project.
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