Cumberland councillors flag Duck River bridge to reduce traffic in Auburn and Granville

Councillors call for bridge at Auburn and Granville to curb traffic.

Traffic in Auburn and Granville has been an ongoing issue, with councillors calling for a bridge across Duck River for the last 104 years. This photo was taken after traffic banked up in the area in 1997.

The proposed Duck River Bridge connecting Auburn and Granville has been in limbo for 104 years.

But the plan to connect the suburbs with a crossing is once again being discussed at council — this time by Cumberland.

“There has been a lot of buck passing over the years that has kept anything from happening,” Liberal councillor Tom Zreika said.

Traffic backs up at Al-Faisal College in Auburn, causing long waits through to Granville and Merrylands.

The Duck River currently has a bridge across Parramatta Rd, with councillors calling for another to curb traffic build up.

“Congestion during school hours is honestly ridiculous and I’ve even gone as far as avoiding the area because it takes so long to get from Auburn to Merrylands.”

The council has agreed to conduct a feasibility report into the building of the bridge at Manchester Rd in Auburn or from Princes Rd West Auburn to Boundary Rd, Chester Hill.

“Nobody wants to take claim of this high-traffic area but we have the means to do it now that we are one council,” Cr Zreika said.

The report will include high-traffic spots throughout Cumberland, including plans to reduce speeding along Guildford Rd and Blaxcell St.

The idea to connect the Auburn and Granville was first suggested by Auburn Council in 1913.

Newspaper clippings from the Cumberland Argus report then Auburn mayor Alderman Ritchie asked to set up a “conference” with Granville Council to discuss the issue.