Residents and motorists using The Driftway will face another major disruption from Friday, June 26, with Transport for NSW confirming a five-month closure between Londonderry Road and Jockbet Street as part of the New Richmond Bridge Stage 1 project.
The closure follows months of work already carried out between Luxford Road and Londonderry Road, which is scheduled to reopen to traffic on the same day the new closure begins. According to Transport for NSW, the staged works are part of long-term plans to improve flood resilience and traffic safety around the Hawkesbury River crossing.
Under the new arrangements, concrete barriers will block vehicle access at the western side of the Londonderry Road intersection, with local residents still able to access properties from the western end only.
Motorists will instead be diverted via Londonderry Road, Wilshire Road and Jockbet Street, while a “no right turn” restriction from Londonderry Road onto The Driftway will also remain in place. Drivers travelling westbound will instead need to turn at Reynolds Road and continue via Luxford Road.
The project has already generated frustration among commuters and local businesses who rely heavily on the route connecting Richmond, Londonderry and surrounding rural areas. Residents have also raised concerns about increased travel times, traffic congestion and the cumulative impact of ongoing roadworks across the district.
Transport for NSW says it has been consulting directly with affected residents and businesses and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the extended detours.
Night works are also scheduled between June 14 and June 25 at the Londonderry Road intersection, with crews working between 8pm and 5am to complete pavement work, line marking and barrier relocations. Saturday construction hours will also be extended from 7am to 6pm from June 20.
Bus stops on Londonderry Road near The Driftway will temporarily move approximately 250 metres south during the works.
Transport for NSW said motorists should expect reduced speed limits, traffic controllers, lane closures, construction noise and increased heavy vehicle movements throughout the project period.
The broader Richmond Bridge project has been promoted as a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving evacuation reliability during floods and reducing traffic bottlenecks between Richmond and North Richmond. However, many residents say the ongoing disruptions highlight the need for better planning and stronger communication around major infrastructure delivery in the Hawkesbury.
For traffic updates, motorists can visit Live Traffic NSW or call 132 701.
