Construction is underway on a $38.9 million cycleway project in North Sydney that will replace the 55 stairs leading to the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a modern, accessible ramp.
Revamping Accessibility for Cyclists
The new 170-metre-long and 3-metre-wide ramp aims to provide a seamless link between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point, making it easier for cyclists of all ages and abilities to navigate the area. Once completed, it is expected to boost the already significant daily usage of the cycleway, which currently sees up to 2,000 trips on weekdays.
This development is part of a broader initiative to modernise the bridge while respecting its historical and cultural heritage. Materials for the project, including Moruya granite—the same type used in the original bridge pylons—are being sourced from across Australia.
Cultural and Historical Integration
The project’s design incorporates Indigenous artwork developed by Aboriginal artists Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing, honouring the Gadigal and Cammeraygal lands. The paving design features themes drawn from local landscapes and waterways, creating a tangible connection to the area’s heritage.
The ramp will connect to a new 150-metre two-way cycle path and shared zones in Milsons Point, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Improvements to Bradfield Park, backed by a $2.5 million funding grant, will include new footpaths, a pedestrian crossing, and a welcoming plaza with seating, a bike repair station, and a water fountain. These additions aim to create a vibrant community space for locals and commuters.
Economic and Social Impact
The project, expected to be completed by 2026, is generating jobs for approximately 700 workers. These roles range from construction to manufacturing, with structural steel bridge sections fabricated in Kurri Kurri and balustrades cast in Unanderra. The cycleway is anticipated to further cement North Sydney as a key hub for cycling enthusiasts, both locally and globally.
Calls to address the stairway challenge date back over a decade, with cyclists long advocating for an accessible solution. The linear ramp design, chosen after extensive public consultation, was approved by the North Sydney Council in February 2023 and by the Heritage Council in June 2023. While some local opposition was voiced, the need for improved accessibility prevailed.
Transport officials have highlighted that this project is a critical step in bridging the gap between the bridge’s cycleway and broader bike networks, including future plans to connect with Gore Hill and Epping Road cycleways.
Published 30-Dec-2024
