In September 2011 the NSW Government engaged Evans and Peck to carry out an independent review of the proposed upgrade of the Great Western Highway west of Katoomba.

This review was initiated after concerns were raised by members of the local community about environmental, cultural, social and economic impacts of the upgrade projects and to ensure the best value for money was obtained from the investment. View or download the review report.

The $250 million revised program of work for the upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow includes:

• Finalising the concept design and road boundaries for upgrading the highway between Mount Victoria and Lithgow. In 2013 the final concept design and road boundaries were confirmed and displayed to the community and have been placed on the Local Environment Plans of Blue Mountains and Lithgow city councils
• A three lane upgrade at Forty Bends and safety upgrade through Hartley Valley. This work has been completed.
• Safety upgrades in Mount Victoria village started in late 2015. This work has been completed.
• Safety upgrades from Katoomba to Mount Victoria started in 2018 and this work is complete.