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One of New South Wales’ most iconic and historically significant roads—Bells Line of Road—is a step closer to receiving long-awaited safety and resilience upgrades, with the Australian Government committing $100 million to improvements that could transform the corridor.
The tender to assess the road and develop strategic options has been awarded to Civil Consulting and Highway Design (CCHD), launching the first phase of planning for the upgrades.
Stretching from Richmond through Kurrajong Heights and Bilpin to Lithgow, Bells Line of Road serves as a key east–west connection for Hawkesbury residents, freight operators, tourists, and local businesses. However, the route has suffered repeated closures due to bushfires, floods and landslips, and is renowned for high crash rates.
The planned upgrades will aim to improve safety and reliability. Proposals on the table include:
- Construction of new overtaking lanes
- Realignment of dangerous curves
- Installation of safety barriers
- Intersection upgrades at key points
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the project was crucial, given rising traffic and the economic importance of tourism in the region.
“As local tourism businesses in Bilpin and surrounding regions boom, the road is getting busier,” she said. “Ensuring it has the necessary safety and resilience improvements is essential.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison highlighted the road’s vulnerability and the importance of aligning upgrades with both technical and community priorities.
“The road is very vulnerable to closures from natural disasters, which cause major delays,” she said. “Transport for NSW will work with councils and communities to ensure options reflect local aspirations.”
Transport for NSW will lead the consultation process, with community engagement on a shortlist of projects expected by the end of 2025.
Macquarie MP Susan Templeman noted businesses and residents have long called for this investment.
“Through bushfires, storms and floods, we’ve seen how vital the Bells Line is,” she said. “This project will help keep our region connected.”
The upgrades aim not only to increase safety, but to ensure the corridor remains open, reliable and respectful of the natural and heritage values of the Greater Blue Mountains National Park, say TfNSW.
