State Government commits $2m for plans to upgrade Toongabbie bridge

Planning works to upgrade the 72-year-old Toongabbie bridge have received a $2 million funding commitment from the State Government.

$2m pledge towards works to improve Toongabbie bridge.

Upgrades to the 72-year-old Toongabbie bridge are one step closer after the State Government today committed $2 million towards plans to improve the railway crossing.

Upgrades to the 72-year-old Toongabbie bridge are one step closer after the State Government today committed $2 million towards plans to improve the railway crossing.

On Monday, Seven Hills MP Mark Taylor said the multi-million dollar pledge would go towards planning works to investigate upgrades to the Wentworth Ave bridge.

The funding announcement comes three weeks after Mr Taylor told the Blacktown Advocate said the improving traffic flow around the bridge was a “top priority”despite the bridge being found to be in “good condition” and not in need of strengthening following a recent safety audit.

Mr Taylor said the project would involve upgrading the current bridge to cater for a greater capacity of vehicles as well as improved pedestrian access.

The State Government has committed $2 million towards planning works to upgrade the Toongabbie bridge railway crossing. Pictured, Seven Hills MP Mark Taylor. Picture: Supplied.

He said work would need to be carried out to improve roads connecting the bridge, including the Wentworth Ave and Cornelia Rd intersection and the roundabout on the eastern side of the bridge.

“The existing railway bridge carries hundreds of vehicles each day and provides an important crossing of the railway line at Toongabbie, so it is important that we fix this,” Mr Taylor said.

“We’re going to get on with the actual planning work so we can upgrade the bridge.

“The upgrade will improve safety and journey reliability for motorists who travel in and around Toongabbie.”

Planning work is expected to commence some time this year.

The narrow bridge is a well-known pinch point for motorists and provides access to Toongabbie Station and the Toongabbie shopping precinct, as well as connecting the suburbs of Seven Hills, Toongabbie and Girraween.