Consultation begins on the concept designs for the $220m Epping Bridge Project

A new seven-lane Epping Bridge is set to be built in Northern Sydney and Transport for NSW is now seeking feedback from the community on the project’s concept designs and Review of Environmental Factors (REF). 

The proposed bridge will enable thousands of commuters to save up to 40 minutes each week in travel times – about eight minutes per day during the afternoon peak according to Transport for NSW modelling. 

The Australian and New South Wales Governments are jointly funding $220 million towards the project, each contributing $110 million. 

“The community has been crying out for a fix to the traffic pinch point at Epping Bridge, and the design released today is the next step towards us providing the solution they have asked for. 

“The existing bridge is 124 years old, and this fast-growing area of Sydney will benefit from the capacity that two extra lanes across the train lines will offer. 

“The Albanese Government is pleased to be teaming up with the Minns Government to deliver this project, which addresses a well-known traffic bottleneck and ensures safety for motorists and pedestrians into the future,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The designs of the new structure that will replace the 124-year-old five-lane existing bridge will include two additional lanes and improvements to surrounding roads. 

The Epping Bridge Project is proposed to include: 

• An additional westbound lane into Beecroft Road 

• An additional right turn lane southbound into Blaxland Road 

• A shared walking and bike riding path on the southern side of the bridge 

• A raised central median 

• Bridge safety screens 

• Additional road upgrades, including: 

• • Road improvements to Beecroft Road, Blaxland Road, Epping Road, Bridge Street, High Street and Langston Place approaches to the bridge 

• • Upgrade of the traffic signals at the Epping Road, Blaxland Road and Langston Place intersection 

• • A staged pedestrian crossing across Epping Road 

• • Raised pedestrian (zebra) crossings at High Street and Bridge Street 

“This upgrade is about future-proofing the local road network. Epping Bridge was built in 1900 and cannot provide the extra capacity needed, it’s been a bottleneck for too long. 

“As a well-located Sydney suburb with good transport links, Epping will continue to grow and this bridge is an important way we can provide for that growth. 

“We don’t want people sitting in traffic when they can be enjoying that time with loved ones and this bridge promises to make journeys faster in the morning and afternoon peaks for more than 60,000 people,” NSW Roads Minister John Graham said. 

Over the next two decades, the residential population in the region is expected to grow by 25 per cent, meaning traffic pressures in Epping will also increase. 

Epping Road is a major route that links Northern Sydney to the lower North Shore and Sydney CBD, and it serves as a critical access road to the commercial, industrial and university areas of North Ryde and Macquarie Park. 

“Locals have been promised upgrades to their Town Centre for a long time. It’s great to see progress on this critical project which improve traffic flow, travel times and road safety in the area. 

“The project will benefit locals and communities alike, bringing both sides of the Town Centre closer, while providing improvements for residents of Carlingford, Marsfield, Eastwood and beyond,” Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said. 

Transport for NSW is inviting the community to have their say on the concept designs and REF until 7 October 2024. Construction companies are also encouraged to submit expressions of interest to further develop the project design and to build the new Epping Bridge. 

Early works are already underway. Main construction activities on the new bridge are due to commence next year, taking up to five years to complete. 

“The new bridge is a game changer for the people of Carlingford – and anyone who drives along Carlingford Road. 

“More lanes mean less traffic, saving people valuable time. The future-proof design is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to investing in the future of this vibrant, growing community,” Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton said. 

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