Residents across Richmond, North Richmond and surrounding suburbs will begin seeing survey crews, drilling equipment and traffic management in place from Monday, 6 July, as early investigation work gets underway for the New Richmond Bridge Stage 2 project.
Transport for NSW has advised that the investigation program will continue until 30 September 2026, weather permitting, following the award of the Stage 2 design and construction contract to Fulton Hogan. The work will help finalise the detailed design of the long-awaited bridge and associated road upgrades.
The Australian and NSW Governments have committed $658 million to deliver the New Richmond Bridge project, which includes a new bridge over the Hawkesbury River between Richmond and North Richmond. The Australian Government's contribution is being provided through the Infrastructure Investment Program.
Investigation work across the project corridor
Residents can expect to see work occurring at a number of locations along the future road corridor, including:
- Bells Line of Road
- Kurrajong Road
- Castlereagh Road
- Londonderry Road
- Southee Road
- Inalls Lane
- Terrace Road
- Vines Drive
- Beaumont Avenue.
The investigations will include geotechnical drilling to assess ground conditions, material sampling, surveying, aerial drone surveys, inspections of existing utilities and infrastructure, environmental monitoring and service location work.
Minor vegetation clearing and the installation of temporary signage will also take place where required.
What residents can expect
Transport for NSW says the work will involve a range of equipment including:
- drilling and excavation machinery
- vacuum excavation trucks
- surveying equipment
- portable lighting towers
- light vehicles
- site facilities.
Motorists should also expect temporary traffic changes, including traffic controllers, reduced speed limits and occasional road closures while work is underway.
Residents living near the work sites may notice increased noise, vibration and construction lighting during some activities.
Mostly daytime work
Standard working hours will be:
- Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm
- Saturday: 7am to 1pm
However, some work may need to be carried out overnight between 6pm and 4am to maintain traffic flow and improve safety for motorists and workers.
Transport says nearby residents will be notified before any night work takes place.
Minimising disruption
Transport for NSW says a range of measures will be used to reduce impacts on nearby residents, including:
- minimising construction noise where possible
- directing lighting away from neighbouring properties
- switching off vehicles and machinery when not in use
- scheduling the noisiest activities earlier in the evening wherever practical.
A major milestone
The investigation program marks another significant step towards construction of the New Richmond Bridge, one of the Hawkesbury's largest infrastructure projects.
Once completed, the project will include:
- a new four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River
- widening of Bells Line of Road through North Richmond
- upgrades to the Grose Vale Road and Terrace Road intersection
- a new bypass linking Kurrajong Road and Londonderry Road via Inalls Lane
- improved walking and cycling connections between Richmond and North Richmond
- improved flood resilience and reduced congestion at one of the Hawkesbury's busiest river crossings.
Major construction on Stage 2 is expected to commence later this year following completion of the investigation and detailed design work.
Project at a glance
Investigation work: 6 July – 30 September 2026 (weather permitting)
Working hours:
- Monday–Friday: 7am–6pm
- Saturday: 7am–1pm
- Some night work may occur between 6pm and 4am
Locations:
Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Road, Castlereagh Road, Londonderry Road, Southee Road, Inalls Lane, Terrace Road, Vines Drive and Beaumont Avenue.
Community enquiries:
Project Infoline: 1800 379 606
Email: NewRichmondBridge@fultonhogan.com.au
