Businesses in the New South Wales towns of Jenolan, Oberon, and Lithgow are facing significant hardship following the closure of the Great Western Highway. The closure is a result of the failure of a historic, convict-built bridge, disrupting a vital transport link to Sydney. Consequently, tourism, a major economic driver for these regional centres, has plummeted as Sydneysiders are no longer easily able to visit. Local businesses report a “dead quiet” atmosphere, highlighting the immediate and severe impact of the highway’s disruption. The situation poses a threat to the livelihoods of many in the area, dependent on visitor spending. Authorities are working on solutions, but a timeline for the highway’s reopening remains uncertain, leaving businesses in a precarious position. The bridge failure underscores the importance of infrastructure maintenance and its ripple effect on regional economies.