The bridge is the cornerstone of a $55 million infrastructure package being provided to the Hawkesbury community by the North Richmond Joint Venture (NRJV), developers of the unique, heritage-listed Redbank housing development at North Richmond.
Redbank’s Project Manager, Andrew Flaherty, said 180 people attended the meeting at the North Richmond Community Centre on October 1, giving residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on the location and structure options relating to the proposed multi-span bridge.
“We are grateful that residents and our other stakeholders had the opportunity to give us their views and opinions on the new bridge,” Mr Flaherty said today.
“A total of 88 people took part in a survey – of those, 81 per cent said they supported a new bridge crossing.
“We also asked for feedback on three site options for the bridge - 76 per cent of people surveyed preferred site option 3 which was first identified back in 1889, with the creation of the current road reserve across the Grose River.
“From the survey, it’s clear that residents want a second river crossing with option 3 the preferred site.
“NRJV is listening to the community and we are committed to funding a new bridge to provide a real solution to the growing traffic problems in and around North Richmond.
“After 110 years, the new Grose river bridge will create an alternative route for both commuters and emergency vehicles travelling to and from Penrith and Springwood, instead of the existing Richmond bridge.
“Importantly, it is proposed to have a new Grose River bridge deck level of approximately 5 to 6m higher than the existing Richmond and Yarramundi bridges which doesn’t rely on the existing Yarramundi Bridge for access to and from North Richmond during more frequent flood events.
“Travel times in such flood events, will be also reduced by 90 minutes and will be via Springwood to Penrith and Sydney beyond.”
Mr Flaherty said NRJV will be regularly updating residents as part of its month-long consultation with the community, which concludes on October 20.
