$500m New Richmond Bridge is a step closer to beginning construction

Construction on a new bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond in New South Wales is a step closer to commencing as Transport for NSW reveals the designs for the new, higher bridge. 

The New Richmond Bridge will be built 10 metres higher than the existing bridge structure and it will have elevated approach roads to improve safety and assist in time of flood evacuation. 

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and project designs for Stage 2 of the project are now on display. The community is encouraged to provide feedback until 21 February 2025. The consultation period for the New Richmond Bridge has been extended to accommodate locals who may be away during the Christmas and New Year period. 

Community information sessions will be held in February 2025 as well. 

“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 change taking shape,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Source: Transport for NSW

While consultation on the REF is ongoing, Expressions of Interest to complete detailed design and construction of the new bridge will also be carried out. Tenders for Stage 1, on the other hand, have already been invited. 

The first stage of the New Richmond Bridge project will include upgrading key intersections on The Driftway, including: 

• New roundabout at Londonderry Road – will include a new roundabout and an extra southbound lane. This work will improve the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation network to help traffic flow during flood events 

• New roundabout at Blacktown Road – work will improve safety at the intersection as well as a new bridge across Rickabys Creek to improve flood resilience 

Meanwhile, Stage 2 of the project will include: 

• Road widening and improvements through North Richmond 

• A new bridge over the Hawkesbury River 

• Intersection improvements 

• A new bypass of Richmond town centre to the south 

• Pedestrian and bicycle user connections 

Shoulder widening on The Driftway will also be completed as part of Stage 2B. 

Project map (srouce: Transport for NSW)

Construction on Stage 1 is planned to begin in mid-2025 and be completed in 2026, while Stage 2 construction is anticipated to commence in 2026. 

The $500 million New Richmond Bridge project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. 

“The release of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is the next stage of the journey which first started with the announcement I made with Anthony Albanese in 2010 for the first federal funding to tackle Richmond Bridge congestion and look into the options for a new bridge. 

“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. 

“I urge all residents to take time to read the REF, ask questions of the project team, and prepare their feedback by 21 February 2025,” Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW (1, 2, 3); Roads & Infrastructure Australia