The new Epping Bridge will provide an additional two lanes of traffic and better pedestrian access at one of Sydney’s busiest traffic choke points by 2029. Photo: NSW Government.
The Federal and NSW governments will jointly fund a new seven-lane road bridge at Epping Station, in Sydney’s northwest, designed to relieve one of the city’s worst traffic choke points.
Expected to be completed by 2029, the new bridge at the junction of Epping, Blaxland and Beecroft roads at Epping Railway Station will replace the current 124-year-old structure, and its $220 million cost will be shared evenly between the two governments.
It will have seven lanes of traffic, including a new westbound lane and an extra right-turn lane southbound onto Blaxland Rd, a shared walking and bicycle path, and new traffic signals. Pedestrians and cyclists will have improved access to the train station and adjoining bus interchange, and Epping Town Centre.
Road improvements will also be made to the approaches to the new bridge on Beecroft, Blaxland and Epping roads, as well as Bridge and High streets and Langston Pl.
Epping Road is a major toll-free route linking Sydney’s northwest and Hills District to North Ryde and Macquarie Park, the lower north shore and the CBD. The work is expected to result in savings of up to 40 minutes a week for commuters who use the bridge in the afternoon peak period.
Early works to relocate infrastructure for the Sydney Metro began in July and are expected to take nine months. Once major construction starts, to minimise disruption, an additional span will be added on the southern side while traffic continues to use the current bridge. Once the new span has been built, traffic will be diverted onto the new portion while the old bridge is removed and replaced with a new span.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the community had been crying out for a fix to the traffic pinch point at Epping Bridge.
“The existing bridge is 124 years old, and this fast-growing area of Sydney will benefit from the capacity that two extra lanes across the train lines will offer,” she said.
“The Albanese Government is pleased to be teaming up with the Minns Government to deliver this project, which addresses a well-known traffic bottleneck and ensures safety for motorists and pedestrians into the future.”
The current Epping Bridge can quickly become a bottleneck during the afternoon peak period, with traffic on Epping Rd often backing up several kilometres to Macquarie University. Photo: Screenshot.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said the upgrade was 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,” he said.
“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 and this bridge promises to make journeys faster in the morning and afternoon peaks for more than 60,000 people.”
Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said locals had been promised upgrades to their Town Centre for a long time.
“It’s great to see progress on this critical project, which will improve traffic flow, travel times and road safety in the area,” he said.
“The project will benefit locals and communities alike, bringing both sides of the Town Centre closer while providing improvements for residents of Carlingford, Marsfield, Eastwood and beyond.”
Community feedback on the project has been called for and can be submitted via email to [email protected], or in person at planned community drop-in sessions.
