New Epping Bridge to ease long-term pinch point with extra lanes

Northern Sydney commuters will soon save 40 minutes per week commute time, with designs unveiled today for the new seven-lane Epping Bridge. 

The new bridge will save 60,000 drivers up to eight minutes per day in the afternoon peak, according to Transport for NSW modelling.

That could mean 40 extra minutes a week with family or friends rather than stuck in traffic at the notorious bottleneck. 

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are each contributing $110 million to the $220 million project which will replace the 124-year-old current structure.

The designs reveal two additional lanes along with improvements to surrounding roads, including traffic signal and intersection upgrades.

A walking and bicycle shared path will span the southern side of the bridge to improve access for pedestrians and bike riders to Epping Town Centre, Epping Station and the bus interchange.

The additional lanes – which include a new westbound traffic lane and an extra right-turn lane southbound onto Blaxland Road – will add critical capacity as the road crosses the train tracks.

The traffic pressure on fast-growing Epping is only expected to increase, with 25 per cent residential population growth expected over the coming two decades. 

Epping Road is a major route linking Northern Sydney to the lower North Shore and Sydney CBD and is a critical access road to the commercial, industrial and university areas of North Ryde and Macquarie Park.

As Transport for NSW seeks vital community feedback on the concept design, construction companies can also submit expressions of interest to further develop designs, and to build the new bridge. 

Early preparation work has already begun on the Epping Bridge Project, with construction expected to start next year.

The community is invited to provide feedback on both the Concept Designs and Review of Environmental Factors (REF) by Monday, 7 October.

To view or download the REF, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/epping-bridge.

To provide feedback email parramatta@transport.nsw.gov.au, or visit one of the community drop-in sessions.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The community has been crying out for a fix to the traffic pinch point at Epping Bridge, and the design released today is the next step towards us providing the solution they have asked for. 

“The existing bridge is 124 years old, and this fast-growing area of Sydney will benefit from the capacity that two extra lanes across the train lines will offer. 

“The Albanese Government is pleased to be teaming up with the Minns Government to deliver this project, which addresses a well-known traffic bottleneck and ensures safety for motorists and pedestrians into the future.” 

Quotes attributable to NSW Roads Minister John Graham:

“This upgrade is about future-proofing the local road network. Epping Bridge was built in 1900 and cannot provide the extra capacity needed, it’s been a bottleneck for too long.

“As a well-located Sydney suburb with good transport links, Epping will continue to grow and this bridge is an important way we can provide for that growth.

“We don’t want people sitting in traffic when they can be enjoying that time with loved ones and this bridge promises to make journeys faster in the morning and afternoon peaks for more than 60,000 people.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale: 

“Locals have been promised upgrades to their Town Centre for a long time. It’s great to see progress on this critical project which will improve traffic flow, travel times and road safety in the area.

“The project will benefit locals and communities alike, bringing both sides of the Town Centre closer, while providing improvements for residents of Carlingford, Marsfield, Eastwood and beyond.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton: 

"The new bridge is a game changer for the people of Carlingford – and anyone who drives along Carlingford Rd. 

“More lanes mean less traffic, saving people valuable time. The future-proof design is a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to investing in the future of this vibrant, growing community.”