A new bridge will be built over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond, along with other traffic improvements, following the selection of the preferred option which will have a one-in-20-year flood resilience level.
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.
This option was recommended as it reduces property acquisition, noise and visual impacts, and greatly improves flood resilience. While supporting 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 $500 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments on an 80:20 basis.
The preferred option will be built next to the existing bridge.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, believes the project to be important as 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,” Ms King said.
“That’s why the Australian Government is proudly investing $400 million to make this vital project a reality, benefitting both commuters and communities.”
New South Wales Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, said, “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.”
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said, “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.”
