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Historic Convict Bridge Fails, Sparks Detour Chaos
13 Mar
Summary
- Convict Bridge closed for minimum three months after major failure.
- Closure impacts 12,000 daily vehicles, adding two hours to journeys.
- Projected repair costs and long-term solutions remain uncertain.
Mitchells Causeway, also known as "Convict Bridge," a historic road built by convicts in 1832, has been closed by Transport for NSW. A significant geotechnical failure caused the bridge, which was in use for 194 years, to move substantially. Cracks have appeared on the road surface, necessitating the closure of the Victoria Pass section of the Great Western Highway.
The closure is expected to last at least three months, with an additional two months projected for repair work under optimistic conditions. This situation impacts about 12,000 vehicles daily, forcing major detours that can add up to two hours to travel times. Extra public transport has been arranged to mitigate the disruption, but local businesses, particularly in Little Hartley, are reporting severe financial losses.
This incident has renewed questions about successive state governments' failure to replace the aging bridge and address regional transport needs. A planned 34km road widening project, including twin tunnels, was shelved in 2022 and 2023. Current repairs are estimated to take at least three months, with locals expressing frustration and concern over the extended inconvenience and potential for further delays.
