The Federal Member for Macquarie, Bob Debus has announced that the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) will investigate the viability of an alternative highway corridor between Mt Victoria and Marrangaroo, west of Lithgow.

The surprise move comes as a result of suggestions from the public in the Wake of recent community consultations on a Hartley bypass of the highway to eliminate Mt Victoria pass and River Lett Hill.

The Australian and NSW governments, in consultation with the community, are investigating an area between Mt Victoria and Lithgow to determine the preferred route for an upgrade of the Great Western Highway.

Current thinking involves a route to skirt Mt Victoria village, descend the escarpment somewhere near Mt York, then cross the Hartley Valley to rejoin the existing highway at South Bowenfels.

Mr Debus said a highway upgrade would:

* Improve road safety.

* Improve road freight efficiency.

* Cater for the mix of local, through and tourist traffic.

* Be sensitive to the natural environment, heritage and local communities.

The Great Western Highway is the main road link between Sydney and Lithgow and beyond to the Central West of NSW.

“During recent community consultations, many residents asked the RTA to examine the possibility of an alternative highway corridor with flatter grades,” Mr Debus said.

“This could run from Marrangaroo to Newnes Plateau and Bell and across the Darling Causeway to Mt Victoria, a distance of about 40 km.”

Mr Debus also asked the RTA to examine an alternative upgraded route through the Marrangaroo-Bell corridor and the Darling Causeway.

“I acknowledge the significant support for this request,” Mr Debus said.

“The RTA is engaging a skilled transport planner to investigate the viability of this alternative.”

More information on this investigation will be available from the RTA website www.rta.nsw.gov.au or at a community meeting to be held at Mt Victoria Public School on Wednesday July 30 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm.

Residents and interested members of the community can also call the project information line on 1800 035 733 (toll free).