New Richmond Bridge Community concerns change project delivery

The long-awaited New Richmond Bridge has reached another major milestone, with the NSW and Australian Governments finalising environmental approval for Stage 2 and awarding the design and construction contract.

The announcement confirms the full $658 million project is now progressing, with construction of Stage 2 expected to begin in late 2026 and be completed in 2029.

The project aims to ease congestion between Richmond and North Richmond, improve flood resilience and provide a safer crossing of the Hawkesbury River.

Community concerns change project delivery

One of the biggest changes announced by Transport for NSW is that Stage 2 will no longer be split into separate construction phases.

Following strong community feedback during public consultation, particularly from residents living along Southee Road and in Hobartville, the Australian and NSW Governments committed an additional $143 million so that Stages 2A and 2B can be built together as a single project.

Transport for NSW said this change responds directly to concerns about the impacts a staged approach would have had on local residents.

What will be built?

When construction begins, Stage 2 will include:

a new four-lane bridge across the Hawkesbury River
widening of Bells Line of Road through North Richmond
upgrades to the Bells Line of Road intersection with Grose Vale Road and Terrace Road
a new bypass linking Kurrajong Road and Old Kurrajong Road to Londonderry Road via Inalls Lane
a separated section running parallel to Southee Road with landscaping and noise mitigation
new walking and cycling links connecting Richmond and North Richmond.

Artist impressions released with the update also show how the existing Richmond Bridge will be converted into a dedicated walking and cycling connection once the new bridge opens.

Environmental approval complete

Transport for NSW has completed and determined the project's Review of Environmental Factors (REF), giving the project environmental approval to proceed.

The REF was publicly exhibited between December 2024 and February 2025, during which Transport received submissions from residents, businesses, community organisations and government agencies.

What residents said

Transport says the major issues raised during consultation included:

concerns about staging the project
flooding and drainage impacts
traffic congestion
construction and operational noise
heritage impacts
pedestrian and cycling connections
how the preferred route was selected.

In response, Transport has committed to:

constructing Stages 2A and 2B together;
refining walking and cycling paths to improve safety and connectivity; and
reviewing bridge and drainage designs to minimise flood impacts.

Investigation work continues

Before major construction begins, crews will undertake additional site investigations, including:

geotechnical testing
utility investigations
Aboriginal heritage surveys
non-Aboriginal archaeological investigations.

Transport also confirmed it has contacted landowners affected by property acquisition and will continue discussions as the project progresses.

Stage 1 progressing

Meanwhile, Stage 1 of the New Richmond Bridge project is already underway.

This stage involves upgrades to intersections along The Driftway at Blacktown Road and Londonderry Road to improve safety and flood resilience.

Construction of Stage 1 is expected to be completed in 2027.

A project decades in the making

For many Hawkesbury residents, the announcement represents another significant milestone in a project that has been discussed for decades.

Once complete, the New Richmond Bridge is expected to:

reduce congestion at one of the Hawkesbury's busiest river crossings;
improve access during flood events;
enhance road safety;
provide dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure; and
improve travel reliability for residents, businesses and emergency services.

Construction of the main bridge and associated roadworks is expected to commence in late 2026, with the full Stage 2 project scheduled for completion in 2029.