The existing Epping Bridge in Sydney’s north is set for a $220 million overhaul, with the federal and NSW state governments both committing $110 million apiece to construct a new seven-lane bridge to replace the existing structure.
The existing bridge was constructed in 1900 and has become a notorious bottleneck on a key route that connects Northern Sydney to the lower North Shore and Sydney CBD, and industrial and commercial surroundings of North Ryde and Macquarie Park.
Transport for NSW modelling suggests the new bridge will save up to 60,000 drivers eight minutes per day during the afternoon peak.
The design includes two additional lanes along with improvements to surrounding roads, including traffic signal and intersection upgrades.
“This upgrade is about future-proofing the local road network. Epping Bridge was built in 1900 and cannot provide the extra capacity needed. It’s been a bottleneck for too long,” NSW Roads Minister John Graham says.
“As a well-located Sydney suburb with good transport links, Epping will continue to grow, and this bridge is an important way we can provide for that growth.
“We don’t want people sitting in traffic when they can be enjoying that time with loved ones.”
Graham did, however, warn the project is likely to cause disruptions to existing traffic as it progresses.
“The early works will be possible to do without huge disruptions, but this will be a disruptive project as it unfolds in construction.
“This would be one of the toughest jobs that Transport has to do from a construction point of view, given we’re talking about construction over a railway line with an existing bridge.”
Early preparation work has begun on the Epping Bridge Project, with construction expected to start in early 2025.
Community feedback is being sought by Transport for NSW on the bridge’s design and review of environmental factors (REF) by Monday, October 7. The REF can be viewed here.
Construction companies are being encouraged to submit expressions of interest to further develop designs or build the new bridge.
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