Arabic version: إغلاق ممر فيكتوريا يرهق مجتمعات الجبال الزرقاء

According to The Guardian, the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway is forcing thousands of Blue Mountains drivers on to longer detours and is expected to continue for at least another year. The route links Sydney with western New South Wales, but the 194-year-old convict-built structure at Mitchells Causeway requires replacement with a new bridge after its stonework began cracking.

For hospital nurses, the closure has sharply increased commuting times. Fran, whose name has been changed, said her usual 45-minute trip after late shifts at Lithgow hospital can now take two hours, sometimes leading her to sleep at a free campground rather than drive home. Clair, who lives in Katoomba, said her commute has increased from 35 minutes to as much as 90 minutes. The local health district says there have been no disruptions to hospital services in Lithgow or the Blue Mountains.

Drivers are using the Darling Causeway, Chifley Road and Bells Line of Road, routes described as narrow and potholed. Black ice, fog, faded road markings, roadworks and vehicle breakdowns can worsen delays. Frank Black, a truck driver, said the detour adds at least 30 minutes and about $130 per leg in fuel, vehicle wear, lost time and other costs.

Businesses and families also report mounting pressure. Leura retailer Ronni Mills-Mateer closed her pop-culture shop after saying the closure contributed to a 20% drop in business. In Blackheath, chamber of commerce president Michael Paag said freight companies were adding surcharges of up to $50 on small deliveries. More than 3,000 vehicles a day are turning on to Station Street in Mount Victoria, according to local guest house owner Shane McLucas.

Parents in Hartley face longer school journeys. Edwina McCarron said a public bus could require her children to travel from about 7.45am until close to 5pm, so she instead makes a 50-minute round trip to Lithgow twice daily for a direct bus. A Hartley Families Network survey found average family travel times had risen by two to three hours, while the group said children were exhausted and families faced growing emotional and financial pressure.