Great Western Highway Safety Upgrade, Blackheath
Creating Safer and More Efficient Roads in the Blue Mountains
The Great Western Highway Safety Upgrade in Blackheath has significantly improved traffic flow and road safety, ensuring a smoother and safer travel experience for residents and visitors in the Blue Mountains region. Partnering with Diona for Roads and Maritime Services, this essential project targeted key safety improvements, reducing congestion and enhancing road user safety along a busy stretch of the highway.
Client: Diona
End Client: Roads and Maritime Services
Location: Blackheath, New South Wales
Key Features and Innovations
Major Road Works
The project involved major asphalting and road widening in and around Blackheath Town Centre, spanning a 2-kilometre section of the highway. Pavement construction and heavy patching were carried out to improve road conditions and traffic flow.
Utility Adjustments
Adjustments to utilities included modifications to communication lines, stormwater systems, gas, water mains, and electrical infrastructure, ensuring services were upgraded and future-proofed for the community.
Infrastructure Improvements
New retaining walls with soil anchor nails and shotcreting were installed, complete with mock rock finishes to blend with the natural environment. Additional features included the installation of safety barriers, median islands, and updated traffic signals.
Project Impact
The Great Western Highway Safety Upgrade project delivered key improvements for both road users and the surrounding environment, with substantial benefits for the community:
Improved Safety: Reduced the risk of rear-end collisions with the introduction of turn bays, improving the overall safety of road users.
Enhanced Traffic Flow: The road widening and turn bays have streamlined traffic through Blackheath, minimising congestion and improving travel times.
Minimised Disruption: Night-time construction ensured minimal impact on township activities and highway traffic.
By the Numbers
2 kilometres of highway upgraded.
100+ utilities adjusted (communication, electrical, stormwater, gas, and water mains).
200+ metres of retaining walls installed.
Thousands of trees, shrubs, and grasses replanted in restored areas.
Environmental & Community Benefits
Ecological Restoration
The project involved landscaping and revegetation efforts, with thousands of native plants and trees planted to restore the environment post-construction, ensuring the area remains ecologically sustainable.
Community Engagement
The improvements to road safety have benefited both local residents and visitors, enhancing daily commutes and ensuring safer road conditions for the long term. The project’s commitment to minimising disruption during construction reflects a focus on community well-being.