The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to deliver better, safer and more resilient road infrastructure in Western Sydney, with work now underway on two transformative projects in the Hawkesbury region: the Pitt Town Bypass, and the commencement of enabling works for the new Richmond Bridge.
These projects, totaling over $600 million in investment, will improve flood resilience, reduce congestion and boost safety for local residents and visitors to the region.
Pitt Town Bypass
Major works are set to begin on the long-awaited Pitt Town Bypass, a $100 million NSW Government project set to improve travel times and safety in the region.
The 950-metre bypass will link Pitt Town Road and Cattai Road with two new roundabouts and a new bridge across Hortons Creek. It will divert traffic, including heavy vehicles, away from the village centre, easing congestion and improving access for emergency services.
Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has been awarded the contract and will soon begin geotechnical and survey work ahead of full construction from August 1, 2026. The bypass is due to open to traffic by the end of 2026.
Road Upgrades ahead of a New Richmond Bridge
Shovels are in the ground as work begins on the first stage of road upgrades in the Hawkesbury that will eventually connect to the New Richmond Bridge.
The $515 million project, funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will see two new roundabouts be built along The Driftway at Londonderry and Blacktown Roads, improving safety and traffic flow during flood evacuations.
The upgrade at Londonderry Road will include a new roundabout and an additional southbound lane to support emergency evacuations. A new roundabout and new bridge across Rickabys Creek will also be delivered at Blacktown Road, improving safety and flood resilience.
Government is preparing to release the Stage 2 Determination Report, responding to community feedback. Stage 2 includes construction of a new four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River, around 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, providing significant flood immunity and improved access during extreme weather.
Construction on Stage 2 is expected to begin in 2026.
Thanks to community feedback, extra funding has been committed by the Albanese Government towards a future stage of the New Richmond Bridge project, to support delivery of a bypass to Londonderry and key North Richmond intersection upgrades.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
"The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the Minns Government to deliver key road upgrades near Richmond. Once complete, stages one and two of this project will improve flood resilience, safety, and connectivity across the Hawkesbury.
"We've listened to community feedback and responded with additional investment to deliver additional key upgrades for road connections are delivered alongside the New Richmond Bridge.
"We're building infrastructure that locals can rely on, day in, day out, rain or shine."
Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"These two projects show the Minns Labor Government is serious about building a safer and more resilient road network across North Western Sydney. We're reducing congestion, improving flood evacuation routes, and delivering the infrastructure that communities like Pitt Town and Richmond need and deserve.
"The New Richmond Bridge will transform access across the Hawkesbury, while the Pitt Town Bypass will take pressure off local roads and make it easier for emergency services to do their job. These are practical upgrades that will have a lasting legacy."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:
"These two projects will make a real difference for the people of Hawkesbury. Whether it's easing the pressure on Pitt Town or building a safer, flood-resilient connection across the river to North Richmond, this is about delivering infrastructure that keeps our communities connected, even in times of crisis."
"I'm proud to be part of a Government that is working alongside the Minns Government to deliver what locals and I have long called for."
