Bells Line of Road safety improvements
Project overview
The Australian Government has committed $100 million towards safety improvements on the Bells Line of Road, a crucial route over the Blue Mountains connecting Greater Sydney to regional NSW. The Australian Government funding is provided under the Infrastructure Investment Program.
This will build on the NSW Government’s $48 million investment to improve road traffic efficiency on Bells Line of Road, which delivered seven new overtaking lanes and safety improvements at three sites on Bells Line of Road.
Transport for NSW is working to improve safety on this essential part of the NSW road network, while minimising impacts on an area of high conservation and heritage importance.
Latest news
June 2025 - Starting bell rings on planning for $100 million safety upgrades
One of the most historic roads in New South Wales is set to receive a suite of upgrades, with the contract awarded to assess the road and develop strategic options for $100 million in safety improvements to the Bells Line of Road.
Read the full media release.
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Project information
In 2023 the Federal Government committed $100 million towards safety improvements on the Bells Line of Road.
Transport for NSW are examining a range of improvements such as new overtaking lanes, realigned curves, safety barriers and intersection upgrades, to determine a priority list of projects.
Transport will begin by working closely with local councils and other targeted stakeholders to understand local priorities and needs.
Background
The NSW Government has been working to improve safety and connectivity on the Bells Line of Road. The Bells Line of Road Safety Improvements will build upon work completed since 2012, including:
Bells Line of Road Strategic Plan
In 2012, the Australian and NSW governments completed a long- term strategic plan for the Bells Line of Road corridor to identify improvement works and set priorities for the next 20 years and beyond.
The plan recommended safety and traffic improvements for the existing route along the Bells Line of Road corridor. There were 10 identified sites for Bells Line of Road between Kurrajong Heights and Bell.
Bells Line of Road corridor improvement program
Between 2014 and 2017 the NSW Government delivered a $48 million program to improve road traffic efficiency on Bells Line of Road between Lithgow and Kurrajong Heights. The program included seven new overtaking lanes and safety improvements at three sites on Bells Line of Road, which are shown on the map on this page.
Benefits
The Bells Line of Road Safety Improvement Program aims to:
- deliver upgrades that will improve safety for every road user traveling through, to, and within, the region
- provide a more reliable corridor with increased resilience to natural disasters and traffic incidents
- deliver efficient and reliable corridor access for all road users while supporting the needs and amenity of thriving local communities and peoples
- improve access to public and active transport facilities for local communities.
Project documents
Project documents will be uploaded as they become available.
Project notifications
Project notifications will be uploaded as they become available.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ documents will be uploaded as they become available.
Media releases
Contact us
For further information about this project, please contact:
Phone: 1800 953 777
Email: bluemountains@transport.nsw.gov.au
Post: Bells Line of Road Safety Improvements - PO Box 334, Parkes NSW 2870.