Local traffic conditions improved with completion of River Road upgrade

Thursday, 26 October 2023

Drivers and pedestrians are set to benefit from the completion of the realignment of River Road in Emu Plains, which marks the latest milestone in the Regatta Park project.

Works to connect the new River Road with the existing road are complete, following the opening of the new River Road and Great Western Highway intersection opposite Lamrock Street in September.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the road changes will improve traffic flow along River Road and increase pedestrian safety.

“There are now three travel lanes along River Road, including dedicated left-hand and right-hand turn lanes as vehicles approach the Great Western Highway intersection, which will provide better access to the highway and help to ease congestion,” Cr Carney said.

“The changes also allow us to seamlessly connect both sides of Regatta Park so residents and visitors are able to enjoy the whole precinct and access the Nepean River without having to navigate a busy road running through the middle of the park.”

A new roundabout installed on River Road provides access to the Regatta Park car park and York Street, while a footpath has been constructed alongside the road for pedestrian use.

The car park at Laughin’ Boy Café is temporarily closed. Visitors are encouraged to park in the first section of the Regatta Park car park, which opened last month as part of the first stage of the project, to visit the café which remains open during construction.

Stage one also included an adventure playspace, multi-use lawn space, shaded picnic and BBQ areas, pathways leading to the river foreshore, over-water viewing platforms, and kayak launch areas.

The second and third stages of Regatta Park will open in 2024 and includes a junior cricket oval, outdoor gym equipment, central staircase leading to the river foreshore, shared path, more car parking spaces, a 112-metre pavilion with undercover water play and kiosk, plus more.

The Regatta Park project is jointly funded with $19.2 million from Council and $15 million from the Australian and New South Wales governments as part of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program which is a key commitment in the Western Sydney City Deal.

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said locals are beginning to get excited about the new Regatta Park, and this road link is another step for this wonderful project that will benefit families right across our community.

“When all levels of Government work together for the community, we get the best outcomes, and this makes me proud as the Federal Member for Lindsay,” Ms. McIntosh said.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM MP said the long-anticipated River Road realignment will provide for better traffic flow through the precinct and a more user-friendly experience for community utilising Regatta Park and the Bridge-to-Bridge walk.

The Western Sydney City Deal is a partnership between the Australian and NSW Governments and the eight Councils of the Western Parkland City.

Find out more at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/regatta-park

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 26 October 2023.