Aecom Australia had been selected in a competitive tender process to work on the proposed 11 km tunnel, a central component of the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow said Deputy premier and minister for regional NSW John Barilaro. “This project will transform journeys between the Central West and the East Coast, delivering a safe and more efficient journey for locals, truckies and tourists,” said Barilaro.
“Aecom Australia will now need to ensure that the project includes appropriate measures to protect the Blue Mountains’ natural heritage,” said Paul Toole, Minister for regional transport and roads. “This critical work will focus on continuing the detailed environmental investigations to confirm the feasibility of a tunnel in this location, and will provide the basis for the environmental impact statement, due for extensive community consultation next year,” he added.
Construction of the tunnel is due to begin in 2024 and is set to be Australia’s longest road tunnel.
