The federal government has confirmed that the long-awaited Richmond Bridge upgrade will go ahead in full, after a crucial top-up in funding was announced to complete the second stage of the project.

Originally split into two stages due to a budget shortfall, the project had faced significant delays. But today, the Albanese Labor Government pledged that, if re-elected, it would ensure the bridge is delivered as originally designed.

However, a small section of The Driftway will no longer proceed under the revised scope.

“The Albanese Labor Government is announcing a further $114 million investment to improve safety and efficiency for users of key roads around the New Richmond Bridge,” the federal government said today.

“The new investment will upgrade key connecting road infrastructure around Richmond and North Richmond and construct a bypass to Londonderry via a new road parallel to Southee Road,” it said.

The announcement is likely to come as a welcome relief to Southee Road residents, who had been facing the prospect of traffic volumes doubling outside their homes if the original plan wasn’t completed.

“While my prime role has been to secure federal funding, I maintain the belief that people in Southee Rd deserve to have their quality of life protected. As work proceeds with Transport for NSW, I’ll continue to support residents in that objective,” Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman told the Hawkesbury Post.

In February, Transport for NSW released long-awaited design plans, revealing a funding shortfall that meant part of the project - Stage 2B - would not be built, with no timeline or guarantee it would ever proceed. Only Stage 2A, which includes the bridge and its immediate approaches, was funded.

Without Stage 2B, residents of Southee Road were bracing for heavier traffic, while North Richmond residents feared worsening congestion due to the removal of key approach roads from the plan.

More to come.