Early works underway on New Richmond Bridge & The Driftway upgrade

Early works have commenced on the first stage of the New Richmond Bridge project in New South Wales, with investigation works as well as utilities relocation along The Driftway now underway. 

Stage 1 will upgrade about 3.8 kilometres of The Driftway between Londonderry Road and Blacktown Road to help improve safety, flood resilience and cater for future traffic growth. 

These works are the first steps in the $500 million program of works that will deliver traffic improvements in the region. 

Key features of the project include: 

• Upgrading of the intersection of Londonderry Road / The Driftway to a roundabout 
• Upgrading of The Driftway intersections with Luxford Road and Reynolds Road to channelised T-junctions 
• Realignment of The Driftway at its eastern extent to create a four-leg roundabout with Blacktown Road and Racecourse Road 
• A new bridge over a tributary of Rickabys Creek 
• A new retaining wall along the north western corner of Racecourse Road and Blacktown Road 
• Pavement improvements to 3.8 kilometres of The Driftway, including widening both shoulders to 1.5 metres 
• Modifications to driveways and property adjustment works 
• Removal of the redundant section of The Driftway and its intersection with Blacktown Road. Reshaping of this area for flood storage capacity 
• Drainage improvements along The Driftway 
• Relocation and/or adjustments to public utilities and street lighting 
• Ancillary work including safety barriers, signage, line marking and environmental protection work 
• Landscaping and rehabilitation work 
• Temporary ancillary construction facilities and laydown areas 

The Driftway is set to become an important approach road to the New Richmond Bridge, and it will help redirect traffic away from the Richmond town centre. 

Early works started following the confirmation of a revised preferred Hawkesbury River crossing between Richmond and North Richmond last year. 

Extensive community consultation has also been carried out to find a preferred route for the bridge upgrade. This resulted in a new structure that runs parallel 30-70 metres downstream of the existing bridge but at a height that will be more resilient to a 1-in-20-year flood levels. 

The $500 million worth of traffic improvements is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, with the Australian Government committing $400 million through the Infrastructure Investment Program. 

Recently, Transport for NSW awarded a contract for consultants who will prepare the concept design and environmental assessment for Stage 2 works. As part of this work, site investigations have commenced and Transport for NSW will continue to engage with key stakeholders. 

The concept design and environmental assessment for Stage 2 is due to be on display for community feedback by mid-2024. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia