Richmond Bridge Facebook Live Session Announced

Community attention to the impacts of the proposed $500 million Richmond commuter “bypass” bridge has seen the project stalled at the engagement phase.

The Federal government wanted this stage of the project all wrapped up by July 5. Opposition rose after the realities of the government’s preferred ‘green route’ was announced as the project’s way forward.

The green route bypasses North Richmond town centre starting where the suburb meets Bells Line of Road. It runs to Richmond via Inalls Lane, slicing through a polo club, with Colo Cougars Soccer Club losing one full sized field and eighty eight parking spots at Cougar Park.

It then continues to Southee Road with a new road to be constructed. Residents are concerned about noise and air pollution, and losing their country views to possibly ‘soundproof’ walls.

Five homes will be acquired with another 21 properties to be partially acquired.

Transport NSW estimates 200 people attended a public meeting held at North Richmond Community Centre last Wednesday. This number was not expected.

The community engagement phase has been extended to August 2, when the next face-to-face Q&A event is to be held after being postponed from last Saturday.

The department is investigating other venues with a larger capacity to hold this event due to the higher than anticipated interest so far.

“This was in line with the current NSW Health advice and with the safety of the community and Transport for NSW staff in mind,” the department said.

NSW Roads is hosting an online information session on Facebook, called ‘Richmond Bridge Facebook Live’ next Monday, June 28 from 4pm. If you would like to submit questions in advance, email richmondbridge@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 370 778.

• Topics:

• Community
• Public Works