Preferred Option For New Richmond Bridge Identified

A new bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond will be built next to the existing Richmond Bridge, following feedback from the community.

The preferred option, a new bridge with a one-in-20-year flood resilience level is among a range of traffic improvements to be funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.

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

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman said the new structure was designed to withstand a one-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,” Ms Templeman said.

“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.”

It 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.

State Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston said upgrades to traffic lights, four intersections and two existing roads, including an additional eastbound land on Bells Line of Road, would be part of the project.

“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,” Ms Preston said.

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 are included with the preferred option.

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.

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• Public Works