$2m funds to ease congestion around Toongabbie Bridge
Long suffering drivers enduring headache-inducing congestion around a western Sydney bridge could experience some relief after funding was allocated to ease traffic flow to the 77-year-old rail overpass.
NSW
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Long-suffering motorists enduring congested traffic around Toongabbie bridge could have some relief after $2m state government funding was allocated to ease traffic flow to the narrow structure.
Parramatta and Cumberland councils have accepted $1m each for improvements to ease congestion around the two-lane rail overpass.
In March the government confirmed the ageing bridge would not be widened but committed to improving traffic flow around the two-lane bridge and station, including Wentworth Ave and Cornelia Rd.
Transport for NSW completed initial planning and analysis of traffic around the bridge last year.
The project has since been handed over to Parramatta and Cumberland councils which will progress delivery for road improvements over two years.
“This upgrade will be a game changer, improving access to major roads like the Prospect Highway and Great Western Highway,’’ Prospect state Labor MP Hugh McDermott said.
“The $2m election commitment to fund planning and design of local road network improvements has now been accepted by both City of Parramatta and Cumberland City Council – meaning we’re on our way to better traffic flow.”
Funding will support the design, planning approvals, environmental assessments and technical investigations.
The project was originally identified as a Transport for NSW bridge project that would allow greater capacity of vehicles and better pedestrian access but developments next to the bridge, such as the multistorey Toongabbie Terrace Care Community, have restricted potential expansion work.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber welcomed the funding.
“It is an essential arterial for people in western Sydney and this multimillion-dollar investment means your daily commute will soon become quicker, easier, and above all, safer,” he said.
Cumberland Lisa Lake said the upgrade would complement the public domain upgrade the council planned for the Toongabbie Town Centre.
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