The Driftway in Richmond will be upgraded to increase road safety, reduce delays and improve flood resistance now that approval for the project has been granted.
The project is funded as part of the $500 million Hawkesbury River Third Crossing project and includes road upgrades, new roundabouts and increased flood resilience by raising the new realigned section at the eastern end of The Driftway.
The Driftway upgrade is one part of a package of works being delivered under the Hawkesbury River Third Crossing project for which the Commonwealth is providing $400 million.
Liberal Candidate for Macquarie Sarah Richards said she had been fighting for this project for the local community for many years.
“To gain the funding for this vital infrastructure when I was the Federal candidate in 2019, has been something that I am proud to deliver on,” Ms Richards said.
“The start of works on stage 1 of the Third Crossing of the Hawkesbury River will mean that local families are one step closer to getting home sooner and safer.”
State Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston said the upgrade followed consultation with the community on the project’s Review of Environment Factors in late 2021.
“The community provided constructive feedback during the consultation period, which will be taken into account during the detailed design phase that is now underway,” Ms Preston said. “This upgraded connection means a safer and faster commute for people in the Richmond region, and I am so pleased the community will be able to benefit.”
The project is set to start by the end of 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024.
NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, welcomed the new project and said it would reduce crashes and cater for future growth in the region.
“This upgrade will make all the difference for the thousands of motorists who use this road every day by improving road safety and helping them get from A to B faster,” Minister Ward said.
“Not only that, the improvements will be designed to improve flood resilience by raising the new realigned section at the eastern end of The Driftway by over three metres.”
Federal Liberal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, said the upgrade to The Driftway will improve road safety, reduce delays and allow the road to be more usable during flood events.
“I am committed to improving road safety and The Driftway upgrade is a key infrastructure project for our community,” Ms McIntosh said.
“The upgrade is a needed investment in reducing traffic and keeping our community safe across Agnes Banks, Berkshire Park, Castlereagh, Liandilo and Londonderry.”
Stay Connected
Subscribe
Get in Contact
Hawkesbury News to your inbox
Sign up now for the latest news from the Hawkesbury Area direct to your inbox.