UPDATE: Bells Line of Road will be closed this Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM for the Vic 100 charity bike race, impacting thousands of commuters. The closure, between North Richmond and Mount Victoria, is expected to cause significant disruptions, especially for local businesses in the Hawkesbury region.
Motorists traveling between Lithgow and Sydney are advised to use the Great Western Highway instead. Access will be restored in stages, with some areas reopening by 10:00 AM from Kurrajong and 12:00 PM from Bell. However, road closures may extend to 4:00 PM at Mt Victoria, adding to the chaos.
Local business owners are voicing their frustrations. “Closing the main artery for half a day on a Sunday effectively shuts down our region’s trade,” said Marg Tadrosse, President of the Bells Line Road Business Council. She estimates that the closure will cost local agri-tourism businesses over $100,000 in lost revenue.
While the Vic 100 aims to raise funds for Lifeline mental health services, which are located in Gordon, Campbelltown, and Bathurst, local businesses feel sidelined. The event will pass through the region without allowing for spectator rest points, meaning that many of the local cafes and shops will miss out on the potential business from race supporters.
Motorists traveling eastbound from properties along Bells Line Road will face traffic control and a 40 km/h speed restriction. With cyclists using one lane, local westbound traffic will likely experience further restrictions. Residents along the route also face delays and limited access, with no alternate public transport options announced.
The Vic 100 begins early Sunday morning, with groups of riders departing between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM from Tench Avenue, Penrith. The riders will continue through the Hawkesbury towards the Blue Mountains, concluding at Mount Victoria. Although riders will have designated stops for food and rest at locations such as Kurrajong Village and Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens, the event’s impact on local businesses is concerning.
Local business groups are urging authorities to reconsider the impact of such events. “We’re proud to support charity efforts, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our own community’s wellbeing and economic sustainability,” stated a concerned business owner who wished to remain anonymous.
As the race day approaches, residents and businesses alike are left to navigate the repercussions of this major event. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the date draws closer. Keep checking back for the latest developments.
