As part of the Great Western Highway upgrade, the RTA has widened the existing two lane highway to a four lane divided highway between Albion Street and west of Watson Way at Katoomba. The project has eliminated the notorious Shell Corner bends.
Status
Completed August 2004. The project was officially opened to traffic on 6 August 2004. Final road surfacing was completed in January 2005.
Funding
The project formed part of the Roads of National Importance program and works were jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
Project features
Improved and shorter alignment for the highway.
Wide sealed shoulders, including a cycleway.
A new bridge and footbridge over the railway line.
A new bridge on the existing highway to provide access to Katoomba from the west, via Bathurst Road.
New access to Rowan Lane and a U-turn facility for westbound vehicles.
Closing of Mort Street at the highway to improve safety.
New traffic signals at Albion Street and the highway.
Raised height of the westbound lanes over the new railway bridge to meet rail authority requirements.
Two new intersections from the existing highway to the new highway route.
Pedestrian access linking to the Six Foot Track and Explorer's Tree.
New bus bays and bus stop shelters along the highway.
Extensive landscaping and urban design initiatives to reflect the style and character of Katoomba and its landmarks.
Project benefits
The upgrade of this 1.3 km section of the Great Western Highway has major benefits for the local community as well as for through traffic.
Improved road safety - the "Shell Corner" bends have been eliminated by constructing a new deviation, making it safer for road users, pedestrians and cyclists.
Improved local access - new intersections and a new bridge provide access between the previous and new highway route. The realigned section of the previous highway provides an alternative route to Katoomba from the west, via Bathurst Road. Part of the previous highway is also used to provide access to Rowan Lane and a U-turn facility for westbound vehicles.
Improved cyclist and pedestrian access - access for cyclists is provided with a cycleway on the shoulders of the highway. New sealed footpaths improve access to local tourist attractions, bus stops and homes.
Pedestrian safety - New traffic signals at Albion Street provide safer pedestrian crossings on the highway.
Local heritage - the project highlights local and cultural landmarks as a gateway to Katoomba. The new road cutting under the previous highway has supporting walls with a brickwork pattern reflecting the style of local landmarks.
Local environment - extensive landscaping has been implemented to regenerate construction areas and complement existing stands of Mountain Ash.
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