The NSW Government has committed $45 million in funding to upgrade the Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan to improve safety and efficiency, and reduce travel time along this section of the highway.
Latest news
MAR
2021
MAR 2021New treescape revealed for entry to Bathurst
The eastern entrance to Bathurst will get a significant face-lift as part of the NSW Government's $45 million upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan.
More informationTransport for NSW has been working closely with local greening and historic groups as well as Bathurst Council on the avenue of trees to ensure they’re selected with future climate resilience in mind and strategically placed to improve road safety and reduce the likelihood of fallen limbs or trees disrupting highway traffic.
The iconic tree-lined avenue will be recreated using a variety of trees with strong seasonal change traits in distinct arrangements along the road.
View the New treescape revealed for entry to Bathurst media release to read more.
FEB
2021
FEB 2021Work starts on highway duplication from Kelso to Raglan
Construction has begun on a $45 million project to make a safer and more efficient Great Western Highway east of Bathurst.
More informationMinister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said work to duplicate the highway between Kelso and Raglan would benefit locals, tourists and freight operators on this popular stretch of highway in the state's Central West.
“The finished product will improve traffic flow and reduce travel times, especially during peak periods like holidays, major events and the Bathurst 1000 for the Supercars,” Mr Toole said.
View or download the 28 January 2021 media release.
Project information
This part of the Great Western Highway upgrade in Central Western NSW extends from Ashworth Drive in Kelso, to Ceramic Avenue at the east of Raglan, near Bathurst. The Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan is often congested during major events, holiday seasons and weekends, and the upgrade will significantly improve travel efficiency during these times.
Transport for NSW has been progressively upgrading sections of the Great Western Highway since 2015. The most recent Great Western Highway upgrade at Kelso opened to traffic in March 2017. Other nearby projects underway include the Great Western Highway duplication between Katoomba and Lithgow and safety upgrades at Glanmire, Walang and Meadow Flat with an additional 4 projects planned for construction between Lithgow and Bathurst in the next two years.
Transport for NSW is delivering this work as part of its commitment to ease traffic congestion along the Great Western Highway, improve road safety for all motorists and to support Central Western communities of NSW.
What are the project benefits?
- Reduced congestion, particularly during major events and holiday periods.
- A much smoother drive and reduced road maintenance requirements.
- Improved access to Bathurst Airport.
- Improved connections for regional communities.
- Improved road safety for all road users.
- Improved flood immunity of the highway.
- Improved pedestrian and bicycle access to Kelso.
What are the project features?
- Two lanes in each direction from Ashworth Drive to Napoleon Street.
- Two lanes eastbound and one lane westbound from Napoleon Street to the east of Ceramic Avenue.
- Safer turning paths at intersections with the highway.
- Removing the right turn from the Highway into property accesses to improve safety and reduce the risk of collision.
- Installing traffic lights at the PJ Moodie intersection to improve access and safety.
- Installation of a shared footpath from Ashworth Drive to Eugenie Street.
Transport for NSW has commenced early work on the Kelso to Raglan upgrade. This work includes installing project signage and fencing, utility relocation and site establishment as well as transferring large equipment to the site and is expected to continue through December with major construction to commence in January 2021. The project is expected to take two and a half years to complete, weather permitting.
Transport for NSW is committed to involving the community in delivering this upgrade. We will continue to work with the community and stakeholders to understand issues and minimise potential impacts. We will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
Project documents
Project notifications
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
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March 2021 project notification
Tree removal on Great Western Highway from Kelso to Raglan. |
201Kb | |
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January 2021 project notification
Work starts on the Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan from Thursday 28 January. |
268Kb |
Review of Environmental Factors
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
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Review of Environmental Factors report
April 2020 |
192Kb | |
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Appendix A Detail design drawings
April 2020 |
4.38Mb | |
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Appendix B Landscape character and visual impact assessment
April 2020 |
16.04Mb | |
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Appendix C Property acquisition drawings
April 2020 |
21.99Mb | |
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Appendix D Consideration of Clause 228(2) and MNES and Commonwealth land
April 2020 |
126Kb | |
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Appendix E Statement of Heritage Impact
April 2020 |
2.73Mb | |
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Appendix F Infrastructure SEPP consultation
April 2020 |
118Kb | |
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Appendix G Noise and vibration assessment
April 2020 |
10.1Mb | |
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Appendix H Traffic and transport assessment
April 2020 |
1.27Mb | |
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Appendix I Hydrology and flooding methodology
April 2020 |
787Kb | |
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Appendix J Preliminary Site Investigation and PFAS report
April 2020 |
38.02Mb | |
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Appendix K Biodiversity assessments
April 2020 |
249Kb | |
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Appendix L Aboriginal heritage clearence letter
April 2020 |
181Kb |
Community updates
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
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October 2020 community update
Great Western Highway upgrade – Kelso to Raglan start of early works |
231Kb | |
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July 2019 community update
Great Western Highway upgrade – Kelso to Raglan |
716Kb |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
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March 2021 frequently asked questions
Great Western Highway upgrade - Kelso to Raglan tree removal. |
197Kb | |
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October 2020 frequently asked questions
Great Western Highway upgrade – Kelso to Raglan - Kelso to Raglan Industry FAQ |
299Kb | |
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July 2019 frequently asked questions
Great Western Highway upgrade – Kelso to Raglan - Display of concept design. |
381Kb |
Media releases
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
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New treescape revealed for entry to Bathurst
16 March 2021 |
48.97Kb | |
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Construction starts on highway duplication between Kelso and Raglan
28 January 2021 |
49.1Kb | |
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Kelso to Raglan upgrade set to start
30 October 2020 |
24.2Kb | |
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Green light to cut congestion on Great Western Highway
19 May 2020 |
24.9Kb |