The Rouse Road Bridge in Rouse Hill has officially opened, replacing a flood-prone causeway and making the area safer for residents.
The project, jointly funded by Blacktown City Council and the Federal Government under the nation-wide Bridges Renewal Program, involved the construction of a new 62m-long steel and concrete two-lane bridge over Second Ponds Creek.
The bridge replaces a narrow, flood-prone, often dangerous causeway, and is a vital traffic link between Windsor Road, Rouse Hill Anglican College and Tallawong Metro Station.
The $22 million project includes a roundabout and approach roads between Terry Road and Worcester Road.
The project included construction of the bridge and necessary acquisition and purchasing of adjoining lands. The Federal Government contributed $3.5 million and the Blacktown City Council contributed $18.5 million.
Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, joined Senator for NSW, Marise Payne, and Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, for the official opening of the Bridge on Monday 28 October.
Cr Bleasdale, Ms Payne and Ms Rowland unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the bridge, along with Councillor Moninder Singh and students from the Rouse Hill Anglican College.
Cr Bleasdale said the opening of the Rouse Road Bridge solved a number of significant problems and that the bridge was a major access point for the Tallawong Metro station and Rouse Hill Anglican College.
“This area is experiencing rapid growth and the old causeway was an enormous traffic bottleneck and a serious safety concern for pedestrians and motorists alike during times of heavy rain,” he said.
“Blacktown City Council had the bridge planned for some time, but needed to wait for available funding. The Australian Government grant enabled the work to be fast-tracked.”
“The new bridge will bring welcome relief to the local residents, businesses and particularly the students of Rouse Hill Anglican College, who have long endured inconvenience and safety issues around the causeway during heavy rain,” Ms Payne said.
