New Richmond Bridge Designs Revealed As Stage 1 Prepares To Begin Construction In 2025

New designs for a bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond have been revealed, with a new, higher bridge built to remain open in a one-in-20-year flood event.

The new Richmond Bridge will be built about 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, with elevated approach roads to improve safety and assist in times of flood evacuation.

A bridge at this level would have seen access between Richmond and North Richmond remain open in all flooding events since 2020.

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and project designs for Stage 2 of the new Richmond Bridge project are now on display with feedback sought through to February 21, 2025.

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said the release of the REF was the next stage of the journey which first started with an announcement she made with Anthony Albanese in 2010 for the first federal funding to tackle Richmond Bridge congestion and look into the options for a new bridge.

“It’s great that people can now look at the proposed design for a new bridge and bypass of Richmond and provide their feedback,” Ms Templeman said.

“I’ve been pushing this for 15 years, so it is satisfying to see it finally get to a full design phase, where we can actually see what the engineering solution is to a very complex issue.

“I am very pleased to see that our community demands for improved flood access have been listened to.

“An unexpected improvement in the decision to have a new four lane bridge is that there will be pedestrian and cycling access across the old one, something that was lost at the Windsor Bridge project.

“That alone creates all sorts of community possibilities in years to come.

“The REF also provides more detail on what is covered by the next stage or construction, and of the use of the old bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

“I urge all residents to take the time to read the REF, ask questions of the project team, and prepare their feedback by 21 February, 2025.

Transport for NSW will provide an extended consultation period to accommodate locals who may be away through the Christmas and New Year period.

While the REF is out for feedback, Transport will be seeking expressions of interest to complete detailed design and construction of the new bridge.

Meanwhile, tenders for Stage 1 have been invited for the upgrade of two intersections on The Driftway.

The intersection upgrade at Londonderry Road will include a new roundabout and additional lane capacity as part of the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation route to help traffic movements during flooding events.

At the intersection of Blacktown Road, the work will include the realignment of The Driftway from Reynolds Road to Blacktown Road with a new bridge over Rickabys Creek and a new roundabout at The Driftway and Blacktown Road intersection.

Stage 1 construction is planned to begin in mid-2025 and expected to be completed in 2026.

Stage 2 construction is planned to begin in 2026.

The project is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, and $500 million has been allocated.

Stage 2 REF is available online now at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/new-richmond-bridge-and-traffic-improvements-stage-2 for review and feedback.

Go to www.transport.nsw.gov.au/the-driftway for more information about Stage 1.

Transport will hold community information sessions in early February 2025.

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• Public Works