Official Notice Roundup: Major Highway Closures and Regional Health Alerts for March 14

Major Road Closure: Great Western Highway (Victoria Pass)

Transport for NSW has issued a critical notice regarding the immediate and long-term closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass. Following a major geotechnical failure at the historic Mitchell’s Causeway, the highway is closed to all traffic in both directions. This closure is expected to remain in effect for at least three months while specialist engineers conduct 3D imaging and essential remediation works. Motorists traveling between Sydney and the Central West are advised to use the Bells Line of Road as a primary detour or consider the Hume Highway or Golden Highway for long-distance travel. Please allow significantly more travel time due to expected congestion on all diversion routes.

Emergency Transport Services: Bathurst to Katoomba

To support communities and commuters impacted by the Victoria Pass road closure, the NSW Government is launching a temporary shuttle service commencing Saturday, 14 March. Two fully accessible coaches will provide 12 daily 'turn-up-and-go' services between Bathurst and Katoomba stations. These services are free of charge and will travel in both directions, stopping at Mount Victoria, Lithgow, and Bathurst. This initiative is designed to ensure regional connectivity while the main arterial route remains unsafe for private vehicles.

Public Health Alert: Measles Exposure Advisory

NSW Health has issued an urgent public health advisory following new cases of measles detected across the Greater Sydney and Western Sydney regions. Health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant for symptoms, which include high fever, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a characteristic red blotchy rash. This alert follows a surge in cases linked to international travel. Vaccination remains the most effective protection; residents are strongly advised to verify they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. If symptoms develop, patients must call ahead before visiting their GP or Emergency Department to prevent further community transmission.

Public Exhibition: GPOP Water Cycle Management

Sydney Water has extended the public exhibition period for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) water cycle management project. The exhibition, originally scheduled to conclude earlier this week, will now remain open for community feedback until Wednesday, 18 March. This project is a central component of the multi-billion dollar infrastructure program aimed at supporting housing growth and resilient water services in Sydney’s West. Residents are encouraged to view the documentation and provide formal submissions via the NSW Planning Portal.

Precinct Advisory: Weekend Activity and Transport Impacts

The City of Sydney advises residents to expect increased pedestrian activity and localized transport adjustments in several key precincts this Saturday:

• Moore Park: Significant crowds are expected at the Entertainment Quarter for the 'Summer in Nashville' event (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM) and an AFL match at the SCG. Light rail services will be prioritized, and special event clearways may apply.
• Lakemba: Ramadan Nights continue along Haldon Street. Road closures and special event clearways will be in effect from 6:00 PM until 2:00 AM to accommodate the high volume of visitors.
• Regional Rail: Intercity travelers should note that coaches will replace some services between Sydney and Brisbane due to planned maintenance.