Labor will spend $114 million to improve roads around the New Richmond Bridge, including a bypass to Londonderry.
The bypass would be constructed via a new road parallel to Southee Road.
Labor says the project will help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, connectivity and safety for road users and communities in and transiting through North Richmond, Richmond, Hobartville and Londonderry.
“This funding provides the certainty the community has been seeking since the Review of Environmental Factors was released in December. It means there is funding for the approach roads, the new taller bridge and the bypass of Richmond to be built all together,” said Macquarie MP Susan Templeman.
“I’ve been fighting to reduce congestion and travel times for people across the river since 2010 and am proud to work with both the Federal and State Ministers to deliver this funding.”
Today’s announcement builds on the existing $515 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project, which has a commitment of $400 million from the Australian Government.
The New Richmond Bridge will be built about 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, with elevated approach roads. This will allow the bridge to remain open during one-in-20-year flood events, improving safety and assisting in times of flood evacuation.
The historic 120-year-old Richmond Bridge will be retained and will enter its next era. Once carrying a train line, then an ever-increasing number of cars, it will be transformed into a walking and cycling path.
“This project will make a big difference for the Richmond community, as well as the broader Hawkesbury,” said Federal Transport Minister Catherine King.
“With fast-moving flooding occurring frequently in this region, we are building not just a new bridge but the connections to ensure people have that extra time to get in and out of the watch zones.
“This work isn’t all about flood resilience, and I know the community will welcome the new walking and cycling route repurposed from the old Richmond Bridge.
“This is a really good outcome for this community, and it wouldn’t have happened without the strong advocacy of their local member Susan Templeman, who’s been across every detail of this plan and has brought, State Government, Federal Government and the community together to deliver good outcomes.”
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