A re-elected Morrison Government will partner with the Perrottet Government to deliver a $220 million upgrade to Epping Bridge, to relieve congestion and improve safety for commuters across Bennelong.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment highlighted how the Commonwealth and NSW were working together to deliver the infrastructure Sydney needed.
"This is going to mean quicker travel through a usually congested part of Epping," the Prime Minister said.
"Our plan for a strong economy means we can invest in the roads and infrastructure our communities need.
"These upgrades will deliver on a key plank of Simon Kennedy's plan to deliver a stronger future for the Bennelong community."
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the upgrade was part of a major investment in transport infrastructure in the area to support current and future growth, with the upgrade of Epping Railway Station complemented by the new Sydney Metro Northwest.
"This project will help relieve traffic congestion in the area as well as improve access and connectivity through Epping Town Centre," Premier Perrottet said.
"Our strong economic management has allowed us to invest in key infrastructure projects like the Epping Road Bridge upgrade that make it easier for NSW families get to and from where they need to faster."
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said the upgrade, which would be funded on a 50:50 basis between the Commonwealth and State, would help ease congestion along the busy transport corridor.
"Epping Road is not just a major route to the Sydney CBD but also a major access road to the commercial, industrial and university areas of North Ryde and Macquarie Park, which is why this project is so important to provide better connections for commuters," Minister Fletcher said.
"The upgrade will include widening the bridge with an additional westbound lane and wider footpaths over the rail line near Epping Railway Station, which will help alleviate congestion at this pinch point.
"We know that congestion is an issue for people in Bennelong, which is why we're investing in infrastructure projects like this one, so that people spend less time in traffic on the way to work or the school drop off, and more time at home with loved ones or productively at work."
NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the project will provide a much-needed overhaul to one of Sydney's busiest intersections.
"A number of intersection upgrades have been completed in this area to help alleviate the traffic congestion experienced as a result of rapid growth, but this critical work on Epping Bridge is needed to address the remaining choke point," Minister Ward said.
"We are committed to focusing on improving the daily commute across our road network so drivers can spend more time with their families and less time in traffic."
Federal Liberal candidate for Bennelong Simon Kennedy said the project was an "absolute game changer" for commuters across Bennelong and north west Sydney.
"Traffic congestion is one of the top concerns that was been raised with me across the electorate," Mr Kennedy said.
"I thank the Prime Minister and the Premier for listening to the concerns of the people of Bennelong and putting forward this significant investment to fix Epping Bridge.
"I am committed to spending every day of my political life listening to the people of Bennelong and fighting for them to deliver outcomes for our community."
For more information, go to nswroads.work.
