The work involves demolishing four RTA owned vacant properties to allow the highway to be widened from two lanes to four lanes to improve traffic flow along this major route.

“This preliminary work is necessary so that major construction of the upgrade can start in the first half of 2009,” an RTA spokesperson said.

“The upgrade will improve road safety and travel flow for motorists travelling along this section of highway.

“The demolition will also help prepare for Blue Mountains City Council’s redevelopment of the Lawson township which is currently being tendered by Council.

 “The State Government is getting on with the job of upgrading the Great Western Highway.

 “The RTA is currently in the process of widening the Great Western Highway to four lanes between Ferguson Avenue and Winbourne Road at Hazelbrook and East View Avenue at Leura and Bowling Green Avenue at Katoomba.

“Drainage work for the proposed upgrade between Tableland Road and Station Street at Wentworth Falls East is due to start in August, weather permitting.

“Meanwhile, the RTA is currently assessing public submissions to help determine the preferred option for the upgrade between Genevieve Road at Bullaburra and Tablelands Road at Wentworth Falls.

“The demolition work at Lawson will take about a month to complete and involves the removal of all material from 248, 291 and 326 Great Western Highway and 6 Orient Street.

“Work will be carried out Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm and Saturday 7am to 1pm.

“The alliance contract for the Great Western Highway upgrade between Ferguson Road and Ridge Street at Lawson is currently being finalised and will be announced later this year,” the RTA spokesperson said.

Click here for more information on the Great Western Highway Upgrade program.