The NSW government is investing heavily into improving safety and road quality along key flood-prone areas.
Drivers travelling along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River routes are set to benefit from new investment from the NSW government.
The state is putting $200 million towards road upgrades in the area to deliver major evacuation routes in flood-prone areas.
This funding will be delivered across the next two years as a part of the state’s 2023-24 budget.
Work will soon commence on the Pitt Town Bypass, as well as commencing enabling works on Garfield Road East at Riverstone and the Richmond Road – M7 to Townson Road – upgrade.
Drivers should be aware of altered conditions in this area set to be announced soon.
State minister for roads John Graham says the upgrades are a greater part of NSW’s redevelopment of roads across Western Sydney.
“We made a commitment to Western Sydney to get flood mitigation right and this initial $200 million will help improve preparedness for the next flood or bushfire event,” he says.
“We know the population has increased significantly in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and it is essential we build the roads that cater for the size of the community in good times and bad.
“We cannot pretend evacuations will not be a reality in the future whether it is in response to flood or fire. This funding will make sure roads are fit to help people get out and emergency services can get it in during times of crisis.”
The Hawkesbury-Nepean upgrades are a part of a greater $550 million spend from the state over the next 10 years which includes:
- $100 million for Garfield Road East at Riverstone for widening and duplication works as a key evacuation route
- $100 million on the Pitt Town Bypass
- $285 million for Richmond Road between Townson Road and the M7
- $15 million for The Driftway Roundabout at Londonderry
- $50 million for Hill Road at Sydney Olympic Park to improve localised flooding
Improvements for roads in the area include road shoulder widening, new drainage and bridge structures, road raising and pinch point upgrades.