Windsor Bridge Replacement

I believe that the project the way it's laid out in the proposal, having read the literature and spoken with the RMS representatives at Windsor marketplace is a vast waste of my taxpayers dollar. The "like for like" replacement of the bridge does, by your own admission very little to alleviate the traffic problems I see and encounter everyday in front of my home. A bypass is needed in Windsor everyone knows it so why waste all this money now with a stopgap half solution that will destroy forever a beautiful old bridge that would still serve local traffic restrictions well for generations to come.

New South Wales has lost much of its early historical architecture and public spaces over the years. Whilst understanding the need for improvements to roads and access across the river, there must be better ways to improve this without the loss of significant cultural and archeologically significant heritage. Whilst I do not live in this area, I like many people have a connection through their family history, I have always enjoyed going to the area as it currently is and having a feel for what it was like for my ancestors living in the area.

This proposal is completely unacceptable on many grounds.
Firstly, the 'new' bridge is not designed to improve traffic flow in the long term and would therefore be outdated and ineffective within a short period of time. It's makes it a huge waste of public funds and proof that this proposal has not been properly investigated.
Secondly and MOST IMPORTANTLY, it would destroy the oldest square in Australia's history. It is abhorrent that anyone can find this acceptable in any form. Two houses, ironically the oldest in the square would be torn down. The State Govt. is spending millions on saving Paramatta's heritage and yet destroying Australia's oldest square. This is hypocrisy at its very best.

A road that destroys history, on its way to a bridge that will not improve traffic movement is ridiculous, wasteful and arrogant. Stop this proposal now!

Please think very carefully before destroying Thompson Square, I believe there will be much regret if the proposed bridge goes ahead. Please consider other options.

now way you are wrecking a beautiful history

I and my family moved to Wilberforce 16 years ago attracted by the semi-rural nature of the area and in particular the heritage atmosphere of Windsor. The documentation on this proposal makes clear that there will be significant detriment to the heritage significance of the Thompson Square precinct. This seems like a form of vandalism to me and I can't see how the benefits of the proposed replacement option can be judged to outweigh the damage that will be done.

If the intention of the replacement of the bridge is to achieve a solution that will meet the needs of the area for the next 100 years then the appropriate replacement for the Windsor Bridge must surely be a bypass that will create a more efficient river crossing and that will protect the distinctive local character of the Windsor town centre.

Windsor is one of the most important historical places in Australia and Thompson Square needs to be returned to its original dimensions and amenity for the benefit of future generations. That can only be achieved by building a by-pass.

This proposal serves only to condemn Windsor to lose what it has left as a historic tourist destination by further fragmenting the site and degrading our history. Increasing volumes of traffic through the area will make it unusable by tourists and locals alike.

Please re-think the options and design a by-pass, leave the present bridge as a bicycle/walking bridge to the facilities on the other side and reinstating the square to what it was prior to the 1930's.

The long term cost/benefit will be rewarded when Windsor again becomes a thriving tourist destination and traffic is greatly reduced.

Whilst it is acknowledged that any major infrastruction in Windsor will have huge impacts due to the historic (European and Aboriginal) nature of the area, the bridge as presented in the EIS on exhibition is supported because:

- it retains a rivercrossing to the Windsor township that has been in place since the establishment of the township;
- increases safety for motorists who currently have to cross a very narrow bridge;
- increases safety for pedestrians crossing the river and also crossing Bridge St at George St intersection;
- provides opportunities for the area to maximise tourism opportunities through cycle / pedestrian links to western side of the river (eg links the Great North Walk);
- returns more green space to Thompson Square;
- provides pedestrian access directly to the river from Thompson Square;
- the lower gradient of the approach to bridge will hopefully reduce truck noise;
- increases safety / traffic flow for residents from Freemans Reach and Wilberforce resulting from the proposed roundabout;
- no change in the impact on river events at the aquatic stadium downstream from the bridge.
- it is the only reasonable option (based on evidence presented in the EIS) at this point in time whilst a bypass is not currently possible.

Importantly, hopefully the introduction of synchronised traffic lights (Cnr ot Bridge and George Sts) as outlined in the EIS, will eliminate the dangerous practice of vehicles using the 'Rat Run' (ie, Court St / Arndell St / George St) to avoid the left hand turn from Macquarie St onto the bridge approach. This traffic improvement will increase safety for the 25 children who live in the residential area impacted by the 'Rat Run'.

Further, it is could be argued that retention of the rivercrossing at its current location (downstream from the existing bridge) will continue the flow of traffic into the township of Windsor which is currently suffering from increased competition from Rouse Hill shopping area.

The financial impact of flooding on businesses in Windsor is substantial when staff are unable to access work in the township because of closed bridges. The increase height of the proposed bridge at Windsor will greatly reduce this financial impact as the bridge will be able to stay open longer. This benefit also applies to those need medical attention / access to Hawkesbury Hospital during times of flooding.

Obviously, heritage properties closest to the bridge are still impacted by the approach to the bridge (as is currently the case) and this is not ideal. All reasonable actions should be taken to assist and support these property owners (including any possible sound mitigation initiatives).

In relation to the design of the bridge I would support and encourage:
- the best possible, most sympathetic finishes to the bridge are used as seen from Thompson Square (perhaps including local sandstone) commensurate with with importance of the Square;
- retention and/or enhancement of the existing sandstone gutters in the Square / Bridge St / George St;
- integration and improvement to the bridge approach at the corner of George and Bridge Streets (eg town sign / eating area);

It is also recommended that should construction begin on this proposal, that parking for all construction personnel be restricted to the parking area near the wharf or on the western side of the river to minimise impact on the businesses around the Square.

The impact and effectiveness of the proposed bridge as exhibited will be enhanced (and impacts on local residents minimised or improved) if a strategic and integrated approach to river crossings in the Hawkesbury is adopted by the RMS. Specifically, improvement and enhancement to the cronically congested North Richmond Bridge will reduce the load on Windsor Bridge which is used in desperation by residents who would usually use North Richmond Bridge except for the traffic queues and delays of up to one hour at peak times.

We have so little remaining history especially important precints such as this area of Windsor. Authority needs to accept that they are often wrong in deciding to use less costly methods and agree that our history must be retained at any cost.

This project is just plain stupid on every count. Apart from wrecking what is left of Thompson Square, a new road alignment will allow bigger, noisier and faster lorries right through the guts of Windsor. Build a bypass. It makes sense. Have the proponents of this project tried sitting in the square or at any of the nearby eateries and watched and listened to the incessant lorries rumbling past? Build a bypass. It is the only logical way.

There is a clear need to deliver a transport solution that facilitates connectivity between Sydney and the Hunter Region and an opportunity exists to achieve a truly visionary planning solution. The proposed option to consolidate the route to Singleton through Thompson's Square appears to be short sighted. The inevitable increase in through traffic and heavy vehicles will destroy the heritage and public amenity - a far greater long term cost to the State through the degradation of a community asset than finding the funding for a more sustainable solution today. We need leadership to determine the long term vision, not short term cost efficiencies. The Square was listed on the Register of the National Estate and had a permanent Conservation order placed on it by the NSW Liberal Government in 1982 as a place of State significance. Thompson's Square is the only Georgian Square in existence in Australia and is a place of National significance for its association with Governor Macquarie and the Convict Andrew Thompson. It is the centre of one of the earliest settled districts in Australia and its collection of colonial buildings has remained largely intact since being built in the period between 1815 and 1880. It is the only remaining civic space laid out by Governor Macquarie and is a crucial precinct in the preservation of the early colonial character of Windsor. The proposed Option 1 will cause long term irrevocable and negative impact on Windsor as a whole and Thompson Square in particular.
I would urge the Government to provide the leadership needed to find a better solution. Windsor needs a bypass to preserve Thompson's Square and ensure Windsor's significant community value and heritage tourism potential for present and future generations is preserved.

I opppose option 1 as it clearly lacks any respect for the wishes of the local people who have to use the bridge up to six times a day. You have got it wrong with forcing this upon us!

I am utterly opposed to the preposterous plan being put forward by the RMS for this historic piece of Australia. How anyone can even begin to conceive that this is a good idea demonstrates just how deeply we have sunk into the mire of bureaucratic ineptitude combined with corporate greed. Get in touch with reality! The people, remember them, don't want it!. It is a stupid idea. It is an expensive idea. Do nothing - wait until you have the funds to build a proper diversion around the town completely - or would that not work for the developers????

The majority of residents do not want the bridge coming through Thompson's Square,they want a bypass as in other towns otherwise Windsor will die. The Government wants the cheapest option and the Liberal Hawkesbury Council who are pushing for it are obeying their masters in Macquarie Street. It is a well known fact that two of the Liberal Councillors have privately said that they oppose the RMS option one but have to toe the line.

I regularly visit the Windsor area, particularly Thompsons Square.
I have looked into the proposal and I believe the project will improve the area and provide better connectivity to the waters edge. It wont really have an adverse effect on the square and the tourism of the area.

1. I have lived in the district all my life (62 years) and it is an honour and a privilege to live in such a historically unique town as Windsor. This is my home town. It is a beautiful town with lots of character. Please don't spoil it by putting a highway through the most unique part of it.
2. Thompson Square is the oldest square in Australia, created in the very early days of the settlement for people to gather as a community. In my lifetime I have seen this happen as a very common occurrence. In recent times it is a very busy place as a focus for tourists and locals to gather and enjoy a meal, entertainment and each other's company. The ambience created by the historic buildings and the open space is relaxing and pleasant and is part of what draws people to Windsor. We don't want that destroyed by increased traffic which is closer to the eating and activity areas, bringing more noise and more pollution than we currently have. We want to be free of the noise and pollution.
3. The historical aspect of Thompsons Square will be completely destroyed with traffic lights and huge volumes of traffic passing through at the same level as the park and adjoining homes.
4. Other towns in NSW have been given a bypass to take traffic out of their town and we should have one too. I've been told that those towns are on a highway and/or they have more development than us so that's why it's not even on the radar for us. Our area is already over-developed for our level of infrastructure. Our roads are constantly overused, everyday there are traffic jams especially around the Freemans Reach Road/Wilberforce Road intersection. How much more development do we need before we rate a bypass or even a better bridge, not just a replacement?
5. Your literature keeps talking about consultation with the community and I know you're doing that but no-one seems to be listening to the responses. There were 12,000 people who signed a petition against the new bridge/road going through Thompsons Square and there was no response to that. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LISTEN?

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Windsor Bridge replacement Environmental Impact Statement.
Windsor is an historic town of critical significance in the early history of the settlement of Sydney. The visual impact of a modern road through Thompson square will destroy the visual amenity and feeling of history which has so far been preserved in Windsor. This type of sacrilege would not occur in other parts of the world where a sense of history, tourism and National ethos is valued, for example the village's of the Rhine Valley. Even though it is very difficult, a different solution needs to be found. Future generations will be grateful, just as we are all now so thankful for the conservation of the ' Rocks' area in Sydney.
The 'old bridge' is an integral part of Windsor village and should remain to be part of a magnificent historical precinct. very much a part of amb .

The proposal to build another bridge in the same area is ridiculous. Firstly Thompson square is a Heritage site and should not be tampered with in any way, secondly it would be plain stupid to funnel traffic through Windsor. The plan to send traffic over the river near Mcgrath Hill is a far superior plan. I hope common sense prevails in this issue

We operate a commercial entertainment boat on the hawkers bury river. Our main business is leisure cruises for the elderly and disabled, we require all size coaches to be able to drop off our passangers off at Windsor wharf. If the coaches cannot get direct access to the wharf, our 14 year business will fail. Please contact me on 45760018 to discuss further. Other numbers 0408599571.

I would like to provide my support for the project to replace the bridge in the proposed location. This site at Windsor has been a river crossing since the city was established and is a natural place to continue to cross the Hawkesbury. I am totally opposed to a by-pass or moving the bridge from the existing location to please a small group of noisy and influential parties with vested interests.

The project has addressed several of my concerns and I am very pleased to see the extension of the cycleway and the instalation of lights at the George street intersection. The lights will address the current peak hour traffic rat-run through North St/Arndel & George Street to get a jump on the lights. The current situation is extremly dangerous - on a Friday afternoon we often wait 3-5mins until it is safe to cross the road.

I am also very pleased with the proposed solution to the extended square. This will create a lovely place to enjoy an afternoon and will enhace the character of the town.

In closing, I would like to thank the planners for the considerate design and congratulate the team for not forgetting Windsor business by diverting traffic elsewhere.

Good luck with the project and I look forward to the new bridge.