New Richmond Bridge preferred option identified

The Australian and New South Wales governments will fund a new bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond, along with other traffic improvements.

Following feedback from the community, the preferred option will have a one-in-20-year flood resilience level and will be built next to the existing bridge.

This option was recommended as it reduces property acquisition, noise and visual impacts, and greatly improves flood resilience.

This option also supports business in the North Richmond town centre by maintaining passing trade.

In addition, it has no direct impact to heritage-listed properties and reduced impacts on endangered ecological communities.

The preferred option includes upgrades to traffic signals in North Richmond to improve long-term traffic flow, as well as a new signalised pedestrian crossing to improve connectivity across Bells Line of Road.

The project will upgrade four intersections, improve existing roads and construct a new road, as well as provide a dedicated active-transport path between Richmond and North Richmond that will encourage bike use and exercise.

The $500 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments on an 80:20 basis.

For more information, go to https://nswroads.work/NewRichmondBridge.

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

“The bridge between Richmond and North Richmond provides a vital crossing of the Hawkesbury River and currently carries an average of 31,000 vehicles per day.

“A new bridge will double traffic capacity across the Hawkesbury River, reduce travel times and cater for future growth in this historic and growing part of Western Sydney.

“That’s why the Australian Government is proudly investing $400 million to make this vital project a reality, benefitting both commuters and communities.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward:

“The bridge will be built next to the current bridge as a result of strong community support noting the look, impact on surrounding properties and flood risk.

“We want to give the community the assurance that if the two flood events this year were to occur again, they would not be cut off from the services they need.”

“We also estimate the new two-lane bridge and approaches will save motorists up to 12 minutes travel time through this area.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

“The new structure is designed to withstand a 1 in 20 year flood – which is more in line with the community’s expectations.

“The joint Commonwealth and State investment allows us to build a bridge which will double traffic capacity and alleviate the bottleneck between Richmond and North Richmond.

“I look forward to supporting the community to ensure that the detail of the design delivers the best possible result, while minimising the impact that it will have on some residents.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston:

“As part of this project we’ll also see upgrades to traffic lights, four intersections and two existing roads which includes an additional eastbound lane on Bells Line of Road.”

“I’m also excited about the walking and cycling connections which will follow, giving locals the chance to move about their community in a low cost way.”