A new bridge will be built across the Hawkesbury River in NSW following the preferred design option chosen by the local community.
A second bridge, close to the existing structure, will be constructed between Richmond and North Richmond north-west of Sydney at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
The preferred option offers a one-in-20-year flood resilience level, reduces impacts on endangered ecology, and has no direct impact on heritage-listed properties. The design will also reduce noise and visual impacts and property acquisition while maintaining passing trade in the town of North Richmond.
The $500 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project will include construction of a new two-lane bridge 30-70 metres downstream from the existing bridge for eastbound traffic with a shared path for bikes and walking. The existing bridge will be converted into two lanes for westbound traffic.
Four intersections will be upgraded, construction of a new bypass of the Richmond town centre connecting Kurrajong Road to Inalls Lane with a one-in-20-year flood resilience. The bypass includes two floodplain bridges and a series of culverts to allow water to flow during flooding.
A roundabout will replace the intersection of Londonderry Road/The Driftway and pavement and drainage improvements will be carried out to The Driftway as well as re-alignment of the eastern end.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the new bridge will “double traffic capacity across the Hawkesbury River” and reduce travel times and cater for future growth. The Australian Government is funding the contract with $400 million while the NSW Government’s contribution is $100 million.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.