New $500 million Richmond Bridge project a massive boost for Hawkesbury

The massive project is set to cut travel times by 12 minutes, slash bottlenecks and create jobs for the growing region.

Beleaguered commuters could have as much as 12 minutes shaved off their travel time, thanks to a new two-lane bridge across the Hawkesbury River and a bypass of both Richmond and North Richmond.

The $500 million bypass project northwest of Sydney is set to become a reality as a result of Monday’s announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Gladys Berejiklian, taking pressure off local roads and avoiding bottlenecks backing up at the Richmond Bridge.

A new Richmond bridge and bypass will now become a reality following an additional $250 million investment from the Morrison and Berejiklian government.

“This major investment demonstrates our commitment to the Western Sydney economy, its residents, workers and businesses by busting congestion, improving safety and creating jobs,” Mr Morrison said. “This critical infrastructure will alleviate the long-term bottleneck between Richmond and North Richmond created from the existing Richmond Bridge operating at capacity during peak hour, helping make the commute to and from work significantly easier.”

Made possible by an additional $250 million commitment by the federal and state governments, the project is likely to take a preferred route bypassing North Richmond and connecting to a new two-lane bridge north of the existing bridge, and is expected to create an additional 850 jobs during construction.

As well, a new roadway will bypass Richmond to the south and connect Old Kurrajong Rd to The Driftway.

The new Richmond bridge is set to be built 500m downstream from the current structure.

“The NSW government is continuing to invest in major road infrastructure projects because we know improving our road network makes a real difference to people’s lives, while also providing much needed local jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The new bridge is proposed to be built 500 metres downstream from the current Richmond Bridge, which currently funnels more than 31,000 vehicles each day directly through the already busy Richmond and North Richmond town centres.”

Federal Minister Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said: “Once completed, the bridge duplication and bypass will cut travel time for drivers by up to 12 minutes, boosting productivity and busting congestion for commuters.”

The community is being asked to provide feedback on the proposed route and potential impacts, as well as give advice on the potential revitalisation of the Richmond and North Richmond town centres.

An online information session will be held on June 28.

Face-to-face community information sessions will be held on Wednesday 16 June from 5pm to 7pm and on Saturday 19 June from 10am to 12pm at the North Richmond Community Centre.

Originally published as New $500 million Richmond Bridge project a massive boost for Hawkesbury