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The NSW Government has announced a major upgrade to one of Western Sydney’s most congested corridors, unveiling plans to widen Richmond Road between the M7 Motorway and Townson Road at Marsden Park.
The $520-million project jointly funded by the state and federal governments aims to ease chronic traffic bottlenecks, improve flood resilience, and future-proof the fast-growing north-west corridor that connects Blacktown, Riverstone and the Hawkesbury.
Under the design revealed on the weekend, Richmond Road will be widened to include extra lanes in each direction, along with new turning bays and intersection upgrades. A key feature is a flyover bridge linking the M7/Rooty Hill Road North off-ramp directly to northbound Richmond Road, allowing motorists to bypass two sets of traffic lights.
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment to get North West Sydney moving,” said a Transport for NSW spokesperson. “It will make daily commutes faster and safer while boosting access for freight, emergency and public-transport services.”
Planning and Consultation
The announcement follows the release of a broader Richmond Road Corridor Plan, which maps future upgrades from the M7 to The Driftway. Community consultation on that plan runs from 7 October to 4 November 2025, with $49 million already committed to early design and environmental assessments.
The corridor upgrade will also deliver new pedestrian and cycling paths, improved drainage, and raised bridge sections to reduce the impact of flooding an increasing concern for residents in the Hawkesbury–Nepean catchment.
While the latest announcement centres on the southern section near Marsden Park, Transport for NSW says the long-term goal is a consistent four-lane corridor linking the growth suburbs of the North West to the Richmond–North Richmond region.
Economic and Local Impact
With tens of thousands of new homes planned across Marsden Park, Vineyard and Riverstone, the project is seen as critical to managing population growth and reducing the pressure on local roads.
Construction timelines are yet to be confirmed, pending final approvals, but early works are expected to begin in 2026, with full completion later in the decade.
A Broader Picture
The Richmond Road upgrade joins a suite of major infrastructure investments in the Hawkesbury and North West, including the New Richmond Bridge and The Driftway intersection works, forming part of a coordinated effort to improve safety and flood evacuation routes.
For commuters, the promise is clear: fewer choke points and smoother travel between the M7 and the Hawkesbury heartland. For local Hawkesbury communities, the challenge will be balancing growth, construction impacts and the preservation of the district’s rural character.
