Preferred option selected for $500m New Richmond Bridge in NSW

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December 19, 2022

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Australian and NSW Governments to fund $500m for New Richmond Bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond.

Following feedback from the community, the preferred option will have a one-in-20-year flood resilience level and will be built next to the existing bridge.

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

“The bridge will be built North Richmond town centre business strong community support noting the look, impact on surrounding properties and flood risk,” says NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward.

“We also estimate the new two-lane bridge and approaches will save motorists up to 12 minutes travel time through this area,” says Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward.

This option 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.

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 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,” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.

“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,” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Loandment Catherine King.

“That’s why the Australian Government is proudly investing $400 million to make this vital project a reality, benefiting both commuters and communities,” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.

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.

“I’m excited about the walking and cycling connections which will follow, giving locals a chance to move about their community in a low cost way,” says State Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston.

The $500 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments on an 80:20 basis.

Source: © Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia

Image source: © Transport for NSW