William Scott
The New South Wales Government has revealed designs for the new Richmond Bridge, with expressions of interest sought to complete detailed design and construction.
The new bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond will be built 10m higher than the existing Richmond Bridge to withstand a one in 20-year flood event. Elevated approach roads will improve safety and assist in times of flood evacuation.
Notably, a bridge built at this level would have seen access between Richmond and North Richmond remain open in all flooding events since 2020.
The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and project designs for Stage 2 of the New Richmond Bridge project are now on display with feedback being welcomed through to 21 February 2025.
An extended consultation period has been provided to accommodate locals who may be away through the Christmas and New Year period.
Transport for NSW will be seeking expressions of interest to complete detailed design and construction of the new bridge.
Meanwhile, tenders for Stage 1 have been invited for the upgrade of two intersections on The Driftway.
The intersection upgrade at Londonderry Road will include a new roundabout and additional lane capability as part of the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation route to help traffic movements during flooding events.
At the intersection of Blacktown Road, the work will include the realignment of The Driftway from Reynolds Road to Blacktown Road with a new bridge on Rickabys Creek and a new roundabout at The Driftway and Blacktown Road intersection.
Stage 1 construction is planned to start in mid-2025 and expected to be completed in 2026. Stage 2 construction is also planned to begin in 2026.
$500 million has been allocated for the project, which is being jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales Governments.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said, “Crossing the Hawkesbury/Nepean has been a hot topic for a century or more with flooding isolating communities.
“The current bridge will continue to serve the community but will be supported by a new structure better able to withstand flood.
“For locals of North Richmond and surrounding communities, this will eliminate a trip up the mountains just to access greater Sydney during major flood events.
“We are now transitioning from early work and planning to having shovels in the ground with Stage 1 works here you will see real changes taking shape.”
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said, “It’s great that people can now look at the proposed design for a new bridge and bypass of Richmond and provide their feedback.
“It’s important that the proposed 4-lane bridge provides greater flood resilience than the current one, and would remain open if flood events we have experienced since 2020 were repeated.
“The REF also provides more detail on what is covered by the next stage of construction, and of the use of the old bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.”
The Stage 2 REF and an image of the new bridge design is available here.
