The Australian Government is investing $25 million to upgrade Wentworth Avenue and reduce congestion on the Toongabbie Bridge, building on an existing $18 billion investment for infrastructure projects in Western Sydney.
Toongabbie Bridge has served as a critical connector for residents of Western Sydney for over 70 years, and greatly impacts traffic flow between Parramatta and Seven Hills.
Only offering one lane in each direction, it has more recently been known to experience severe congestion, especially during peak periods.
The Australian Government’s investments will focus on easing this congestion by increasing and improving traffic flow along Wentworth Avenue.
These upgrades are expected to include intersection reconstruction and lane widening, and will support increased productivity and improved liveability for motorists in the area.
With significant population and economic growth predicted within Cumberland, Blacktown and Parramatta Local Government Areas, further pressure on the local transport network surrounding Toongabbie is also being anticipated.
Recent planning and analysis of traffic around the bridge showed that notwithstanding the constraining nature of the bridge itself, significant congestion was due to intersections on Wentworth Avenue on either side of the bridge.
“We’re building Australia’s future right here in Western Sydney, currently investing $18 billion into Western Sydney’s infrastructure,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“We know how important the Toongabbie fix is to the community here and the knock-on effect it has on the Western Sydney road network.
“We’re giving hours back to Toongabbie locals, Westmead workers and everyone in between with this record investment in Toongabbie Bridge.”
Federal Member for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, said the upgrade has been much needed for a long time.
“This bridge has been a nightmare for forty years,” he said.
“Everyone said they were going to fix it – today we’re doing it.
“This investment will cut congestion, slash travel times, and make life easier for local residents who rely on this connection every day.”
In other news, a $13.9 million upgrade on a 1.8-kilometre section of the Sturt Highway is scheduled to begin.
