Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has identified option 1 - a high level bridge 35 metres downstream of the existing bridge - as the preferred option to replace Windsor Bridge. Details are available in the Community Update, August 2011. Roads and Maritime Services sought community feedback from staffed displays and workshops that commenced in August 2011.

Background

Windsor Bridge is the oldest existing crossing of the Hawkesbury River. The bridge was opened in 1874, consisting of a timber deck and cast iron piers. Parts of the bridge are now 137 years old. The bridge is 143 metres long and 6.1 metres wide. It carries on average 18,000 vehicles per day.

Update April 2012

April 2012: RMS commences on site archaeological and geotechnical investigations to further develop the design and to identify potential impacts.  Information about local geology and soils helps the designers to choose appropriate structures for the bridge and road. Information about Aboriginal and European archaeology helps RMS to identify the impacts of the proposed works on the Aboriginal and European archaeology that may be present. More information is available on the heritage page.

January 2012: Roads and Maritime Services have developed an interactive web map with background information relating to the preferred option. Read More>>

October 2011: A heritage and design community focus group was set up to ensure individuals and groups continue to participate in the project's development. More information about this group is contained on the design and heritage community focus group section on the consultation page.

August 2011: Roads and Maritime Services prepared an Options Report summarising the relative impacts of these options and identifying a preferred option. The community provided comments on the preferred option, which can be viewed in the 2011 Community Issues Report. Both reports are on the project documents page.

2009: A community update describing nine options to rehabilitate or replace the existing bridge was distributed in July 2009. The community provided comments on these nine options. The 2009 Community Consultation Report is on the project documents page.

Next Steps

Roads and Maritime Services will

• Prepare a concept design of the preferred option.
• Undertake environmental studies on the preferred option.
• Prepare and exhibit the environmental impact statement for community comment.
• Seek planning approval from the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.