Infrastructure NSW is looking into the feasibility of a proposal to construct a four-lane, flood-free bridge from Richmond to North Richmond.
Hawkesbury Ambassador John Miller made a submission to Hawkesbury MP Dominic Perrottet in November last year, requesting he consider construction of the elevated bridge from Chapel Street in Richmond to a location with a “suitable height” at North Richmond to allow evacuation of more than 27,000 residents during a major flood event.
Speaking to minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee tabled at Hawkesbury City Council on January 30, Mr Miller said Infrastructure NSW was considering the proposal.
“After the meeting in Sydney with Infrastructure NSW executives, it was confirmed that they will look into the feasibility of my proposal and write back with a response,” he told the meeting.
“I was advised they were drafting a response that would be sent directly to [Mr Perrottet] recommending what further action could possibly be taken.”
It was confirmed that they will look into the feasibility of my proposal and write back with a response.
- John Miller
Council responded by moving to endorse the representations made to Mr Perrottet over construction of “a high level flood-free crossing between Richmond and North Richmond”, and that any feedback received be reported back to the committee.
Mr Miller said there was a “moral duty of care” to provide a “rapid and safe evacuation route” for the thousands of residents living from Wilberforce to Grose Vale.
“There are no police, ambulance, or hospital facilities on that side of the river,” he said.
“[Roads and Maritime Services], due to OH&S safety regulations, have recently been closing Windsor and North Richmond bridges when small floods are two metres below the deck height of the bridges, thus preventing [residents] getting to work and businesses from operating.
“This is a ridiculous situation that must be eliminated.
“The RMS are currently upgrading Kurrajong Road in Richmond, and the Bells Line of Road at North Richmond. There is no reason why these two roads should not be connected via an elevated one in 100 flood free bridge over the flood plain.”