In a major win for Hawkesbury communities, the New Richmond Bridge and surrounding road projects will now be delivered sooner.
The Albanese Government has committed $114 million and the Minns Labor Government has committed $29 million to deliver Stage 2 of the project in full, with construction to begin later this year.
The additional funding brings the total investment in Richmond’s new bridge, bypass connections and road upgrades to $658 million and means the full Stage 2 scope of work can now be delivered at once.
This will accelerate the delivery of this critical infrastructure while reducing long-term disruption for residents.
While Stage 2 of the project was initially planned to be delivered in stages 2A and 2B, the Albanese and Minns governments heard loud and clear from the community that they wanted the full project delivered at once, and this additional funding will now make that possible.
The existing bridge between Richmond and North Richmond is a vital crossing of the Hawkesbury River, carrying around 31,000 vehicles every day on a single lane in each direction – making it a key congestion point and critical route during floods.
Stage 2 of the project will deliver:
- A new four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River
- Road widening improvements through North Richmond
- Intersection improvements
- A new bypass south of Richmond town centre
- Improved pedestrian and bicycle user connections.
The new bridge has been designed with two lanes in each direction to support future growth and will sit around 10 metres higher than the existing crossing to improve flood resilience for the community.
The existing bridge will be converted into a dedicated active transport connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Richmond and North Richmond, providing a family friendly crossing over the iconic Hawkesbury River.
Once complete, the project will ease congestion, improve connectivity and strengthen evacuation access during major flooding events.
Fulton Hogan has been awarded the contract to finalise the design and deliver Stage 2 of the project.
Construction is expected to start late 2026.
Construction is already underway on Stage 1 of the project, including upgrades to two intersections along The Driftway, with completion expected in 2027.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
“The Australian Government knows how important this infrastructure is for the Hawkesbury Community which is why we have allocated an additional $114.4 million to get this critical project delivered in one go.
“The Australian Government is proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver this important project for the region”.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car:
“For too long, Hawkesbury families have sat in traffic, dealt with flood disruptions and have been told by the Liberals to keep waiting – residents here deserve better than delays and excuses.
“The Minns Labor Government has invested the additional funding needed to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing over the Hawkesbury.
“The delivery of this project will mean local residents will have faster access to the infrastructure the region needs – spending less time in traffic and more time with their families.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“Stage 2 of the New Richmond Bridge will make a tangible difference to people living in the Hawkesbury, improving traffic flow and making journeys safer.
“It will also improve resilience during future flood events, meaning families can stay connected when it matters the most.
“This project, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments, is delivering safer, stronger and more robust roads for locals.”
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:
“This project is incredibly important for local families and businesses who rely on this crossing every single day, which is why I have been such a strong advocate for it since 2010.
“Building the new bridge around 10 metres higher than the existing crossing will make a real difference for the Hawkesbury as that height bridge would have remained open during every major flood event since 2020.
“Converting the existing bridge into a dedicated walking and cycling connection will give it a new life for future generations to enjoy our beautiful river.”