12/05/2024
North Richmond bridge has reopened in both directions. The bridge was closed to alternate lanes each way while the guard rails were lowered. It is understood the bridge will remain open with emergency services maning it through the night.
Workers at the site told the Hawkesbury Post the rails were being lowered as a precaution should the river rise. At the time of publication the river was 3.15 metres according to official data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) came under fire in the April flood when the guard rails were not lowered and subsequently destroyed. They have only just been replaced at a cost of approximately $100,000.
Since 2020 the Richmond Bridge has been closed six times at heights between 7.8 metres and 8.4 metres. The Hawkesbury Post has been told by TfNSW that following the April flood - when the guard rails were not lowered - a review has been undertaken. One of the options is to lower the rails earlier during a flood event, to prevent a repeat of the damage that has occurred in previous floods.
As at 10.15pm tonight (12/05/2024) TfNSW issued the following statement.
“The Richmond Bridge remains open to traffic in both directions.
“Alternating stop/slow traffic conditions were in place briefly while crews prepare the bridge should the river rise and the bridge closes at short notice. Crews will remain on site through out the night and early morning.
“Motorists should check www.livetraffic.com or the Live Traffic NSW app for the latest updates.”
WaterNSW Hawkesbury City Council Bureau of Meteorology
