Seymour Whyte appointed for Mitchells Causeway crossing
The NSW Government has appointed Seymour Whyte to deliver the new Mitchells Causeway crossing, with the Great Western Highway expected to reopen in the second quarter of 2027.
Major construction is due to begin in July, giving freight operators a clearer timeline after months of disruption on the NSW freight route.
Road Freight NSW welcomed the appointment of Seymour Whyte and the reopening target for 2027. However, the industry body said transport operators still face high costs from the detour.
The announcement also included an expanded package of financial support for eligible small businesses in specific postcodes affected by the closure.
According to Road Freight NSW, many freight operators cannot access those grants because they are not based in the postcodes covered by the support package.
Mitchells Causeway crossing timeline
RFNSW chief executive Simon O’Hara said the construction milestone was an important step, but he renewed calls for targeted support for transport businesses hit by the prolonged closure.
“After months of uncertainty, having a contractor appointed and a clear pathway to reopening is welcome news for everyone who relies on this vital freight corridor,” Mr O’Hara said.
Since the closure, freight operators have used lengthy detours, increasing fuel costs, driver hours, vehicle wear and tear, and delivery times.
Many transport businesses have absorbed those added costs to keep supply chains moving and goods reaching regional NSW communities, RFNSW said.
RFNSW has raised the issue directly with the NSW Government and through recent media and stakeholder advocacy.
“While we welcome the Government’s expanded support for local businesses, freight operators are still carrying the financial burden of this closure every day without equivalent assistance,” Mr O’Hara said.
O’Hara said freight operators have kept regional NSW supplied during the closure and should be recognised in government support measures until the route reopens.
He also said it was imperative that Seymour Whyte deliver the work to the proposed timeline so operators are not forced to use the detour for longer.
Road Freight NSW, which originated in 1893, said it would keep working with the NSW Government as construction progresses on the Mitchells Causeway project.
