Motorists are reminded to brace themselves for another weekend of traffic chaos, as a section of Castlereagh Road is temporarily closed for road and bridge construction works.
The work is being carried out as part of the upgrade of Mulgoa Road at Penrith between Union Road and Museum Drive.
To allow work on the railway bridge to be carried out safely, Castlereagh Road will be closed between Jane Street and Thornton Drive from 10pm on Friday, September 6 to 5am on Monday, September 9.
During the closure, motorists will be detoured via The Northern Road to Andrews Road on the northern side and Jane Street on the southern side of the railway line.
Alternative access to Museum Drive will be available via Combewood Avenue for access to the Museum of Fire.
Motorists are expected to experience the longest delay times on Saturday, September 7 between 10am and 3pm and are encouraged to avoid the area or travel outside the busiest time.
Sunday will also be busy with an NRL match between Penrith and Newcastle kicking off at 4pm.
Access for local residents, pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times during the closure.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said this full closure will allow essential work to be carried out ahead of the new bridge being installed in December.
“Castlereagh Road will be temporarily closed to ensure the safety of all motorists and workers while heavy machinery is used,” the spokesperson said.
“Major work in December this year will remove the old rail bridge and replace it with a new one. This work will allow the existing road to be widened to three lanes in each direction.
“Work on the Mulgoa Road upgrade between Union Road and Museum Drive is progressing well and is expected to open to traffic in late 2020, weather permitting.”
Road work signs and traffic controllers will guide road users through the temporary changes and detours while they are in place.
The community and motorists will continue to be updated about the upcoming changes in the area.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.
