Work is ramping up on the new $38.9 million Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway project with major work set to kick off before Christmas.
In March, Western Sydney construction company Arenco (NSW) Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to build the cycleway. Around 700 workers will be involved in delivering the project, with materials being sourced and manufactured across Australia.
When complete, the 170 metre-long and 3 metre-wide ramp will link the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point, sparing cyclists the hike up 55 stairs and making one of Australia's most iconic bike routes easily accessible for riders of all ages and abilities.
New renders showcase the final design from Redfern design firm ASPECT Studios, paying careful attention to the historical significance of the site and honouring the heritage of the Harbour Bridge.
The balustrades are being cast by Evermil in Unanderra NSW, structural steel bridge sections are being fabricated by Alfabs in Kurri Kurri NSW, and stone for the artwork paving is being sourced from NSW, Queensland and South Australia.
Granite for sections of the paving is coming from Moruya on the NSW South Coast; the same granite used for the original Harbour Bridge pylons, tying together the old and the new.
The pavement will form an Aboriginal artwork design, developed by Aboriginal artists Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing, drawing on the imagery and themes of Gadigal and Cammeraygal land and waters.
The new ramp will connect riders from the bridge to the bike network in Milsons Point. From Bradfield Park, riders can then join a new 150 metre-long and 2.5 metre-wide two-way dedicated cycle path and new shared zones in Milsons Point.
Transport is also contributing to improvements in Bradfield Park, with a $2.5 million funding grant to North Sydney Council. Pedestrians will benefit from safer connections, with new footpaths and a new pedestrian crossing on Alfred Street South. A new paved plaza area will be created to connect the new cycle path and ramp into Bradfield Park. The plaza will be a welcoming community space with seating, a bike repair station and water fountain, for visitors or commuters heading to Milsons Point station and beyond.
Major work will kick off in late 2024 including ground preparations for the new ramp and eight new columns in Bradfield Park, with preparation works now underway. Construction has been carefully planned to reduce impacts to the local community as much as possible. Work is expected to be completed by 2026.
For more information: nswroads.work/cycleway.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
"Around 2,000 trips are taken across the cycleway each weekday, making it not just our only cross-harbour bike link, but one of Sydney's most heavily used - and we're expecting those numbers to rise once the ramp is complete.
"Every cyclist deserves to have safe and easy access to what is undoubtedly one of Australia's most famed bike routes. Whether you're 8 or 80 - this ramp has been designed with riders of all ages and abilities in mind.
"Great cities are always evolving, and our Harbour Bridge is no exception. This cycleway will be a modern addition, while honouring its rich history - from the First Nations artwork to the Moruya granite paving.
"The Harbour Bridge cycleway project has created hundreds of jobs for our state - and what an incredible legacy each of those workers will leave behind.
"We're so proud to be bringing our beautiful 92-year-old bridge into the modern age, making it more attractive for cyclists all over the world.
Sydney Harbour Bridge history:
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened on 19 March 1932 after eight years of work by over 1,600 people.
- Excavations for the formation began in January 1925.
- The arch was joined at nearly midnight on 19 August 1930.
- Tramways were removed in 1958 and replaced by two extra road lanes. Bus lanes also were added in 1972.
- The Bridge was originally 6 lanes with 2 tram lines and 2 rail lines. Now it is 8 lanes and 2 rail lines, a pedestrian path and a bicycle path.
- The Cahill and Warringah expressways and the Western Distributor have all been connected since the Bridge opened.
- The bridge is a National Engineering Landmark and an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
- The Bridge weighs 52,800 tonnes and spans 1149 metres. It has more than 6 million hand-driven rivets and, although, the Bridge looks curved however every piece of steel is straight.
