The public consultation period for the Review of Environmental Factors( REF) and Concept Design for the Bandon Road Corridor Upgrade and Extension has now closed, marking another important step forward for the major infrastructure project planned for Sydney’ s rapidly growing North West.

The Australian and NSW Governments have committed a combined $ 150 million towards planning and early works for the project, which will improve transport connections and support future growth across the region.

The proposed Bandon Road Corridor will create a new 6.5-kilometre road linking Windsor Road and Richmond

Artists impression of completed work

Road through the Marsden Park North, Riverstone West, Riverstone and Vineyard precincts.

Once completed, the upgraded corridor will provide direct access to Richmond Road, improve connections to Marsden Park and create an additional east-west transport link for motorists. The project will also offer an alternative route to reduce traffic travelling through the busy Riverstone town centre.

The plans include upgrading and extending the existing Bandon Road into a four-lane divided roadway, featuring a new underpass beneath the Richmond railway line and several new bridges across the Eastern Creek floodplain.

Safety Improvement Early Works commenced in April at the intersection of Bandon Road and Riverstone Parade, adjacent to Vineyard Station.

The project is

designed to support future housing and employment growth while improving transport outcomes for local communities. Benefits are expected to include reduced congestion, improved traffic flow, enhanced road and rail safety, and better pedestrian and cycling connections.

The proposed upgrade includes:

• A new four-lane divided road with a central median to improve safety and accommodate future growth.

• An off-road shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

• A new road underpass beneath the Richmond rail line north of Vineyard Station, allowing for the removal of the existing Bandon Road level crossing.

• New intersections and road safety improvements along the corridor.

• Three new bridges crossing Marsden Creek, Eastern Creek and the existing Bandon Road to improve flood resilience.

• A new pedestrian bridge connecting Wallace Road and Riverstone Parade, providing safer access to Vineyard Station.

• Changes to the local road network, including the realignment and closure of sections of Bandon Road, Park Road, Farm Road, St James

Road, Wallace Road, O’ Connell Street and Riverstone Parade.

• Two floodplain storage areas to offset road embankments required for the Bandon Road and Garfield Road West upgrades.

• Upgrades to the existing flood evacuation route along Wallace Road and Bandon Road.

• A new southern connection road linking the upgraded Bandon Road to Hamilton Street and Riverstone Parade via Camberwell Road, improving flood evacuation access and connections to Vineyard Station. What Happens Next? Transport for NSW will now review community feedback received during the consultation period and assess how potential impacts on residents and the surrounding environment can be managed.

The next stages of the project include:

• Reviewing submissions and preparing a Community Consultation Report.

• Seeking approval to proceed with the project.

• Developing the detailed design.

• Commencing construction, subject to approvals and funding.