Relief is in sight for businesses suffering from the sudden closure of one of the nation's busiest and most critical roads, with a financial support package announced by the NSW government.The $3.5 million package for small businesses and councils across the Blue Mountains and Central West comes after the unexpected closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass more than two months ago.In a statement, Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said the "immediate priority is getting targeted financial relief into the hands of the businesses most impacted by this closure".She said it would provide "a much-needed buffer to help ease the pressure during this challenging time" while the council funding sent a "loud and clear message" that the region was "open for business".Cracks in 'convict' bridgeThe road has been shut for almost 11 weeks after movement and cracking were discovered in the Mitchell's Causeway, a bridge built by convicts in the 1830s.Businesses were quick to call for financial assistance, fearing early estimates of a three-month-long closure would prove to be optimistic.Great Western Highway shut in both directions at Victoria Pass on March 9. (ABC Central West: Xanthe Gregory)The support package includes $10,000 grants for eligible small businesses in Mount Victoria, Hartley, Little Hartley and Hartley Vale.There is also $15,000 available to the councils of Cabonne, Forbes, Oberon, Dubbo, Blayney, Hawkesbury, Mid-Western and Orange, to help boost their visitor economies.Those councils, as well as Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Bathurst, also have access to $5,000 community event grants.Thousands of cars are being detoured through Lithgow each day, via the Chifley Rd, Darling Causeway and Bells Line. (ABC Central West: Lani Oataway)Cries for help answeredFrom the local lolly shop to a power tool supplier and a Japanese garden and nursery, businesses in Mount Victoria and the Hartley Valley relied heavily on trade generated by the 12,000-odd cars that travelled along the Great Western Highway each day.That was until March 9, when the road was closed in both directions at Victoria Pass.Many businesses have since recorded an approximately 90 per cent reduction in sales or visitor numbers.Some have reduced opening hours, others have had to lay off staff.There are major delays and safety issues along the steep and windy Chifley Road, which vehicles are being diverted to. (ABC Central West: Xanthe Gregory)This week, Premier Chris Minns said the government could not provide a whole-of-region package."There'll be businesses that we can help in the immediate vicinity and there are others that have been affected by the change that we just don't have the funds to prop up or help during a difficult period," he said."This changed traffic affects Orange, Bathurst, Parkes, Forbes, the entire Central West."The NSW government is working through two possible design solutions for Mitchell's Causeway, with a decision expected to be made by late June.In a statement, the acting roads and regional transport minister, John Graham, said the targeted support would assist during the "difficult period" until the road reopens."We are moving as fast as possible on the road repair, with safety our top priority," he said.