North Sydney residents successfully campaigned against planned night works for the new Sydney Harbour Bridge bike ramp, leading Transport for NSW to revise its construction schedule.
Community Concerns Lead to Schedule Change
The transport department proposed accelerated night construction between 6 pm and 7 am, four nights a week from February to July, to speed up the $38.9 million cycleway project. This plan sparked significant opposition from Milsons Point residents, some of whom live as close as 30 metres from the bridge.
Locals expressed strong concerns about the noise from jackhammering and piling during sleeping hours. A Milsons Point community precinct representative said residents felt disregarded by the transport department’s initial plans. Following the community feedback, Transport for NSW confirmed they will not proceed with the accelerated night works and will adhere to the originally approved construction schedule.
Project Aims to Improve Accessibility
The project will replace the existing 55 stairs with a 170-metre-long, 3-metre-wide ramp, improving access for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The new ramp will connect the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point and is anticipated to increase the cycleway’s usage, which currently sees up to 2,000 weekly trips.
The design incorporates Moruya granite, matching the bridge pylons, and features Indigenous artwork by Aboriginal artists, acknowledging the Gadigal and Cammeraygal lands. The ramp will link to a new 150-metre two-way cycle path and shared zones in Milsons Point. With the $2.5 million funding grant, Bradfield Park will also see improvements, including new footpaths, a plaza, and a bike repair station.
Long-Term Vision for Cycling Network
The project, slated for completion in 2026, is expected to create around 700 jobs. Transport officials have emphasised the project’s importance in connecting the bridge’s cycleway to wider cycling networks, including future links to Gore Hill and Epping Road cycleways. After extensive community consultation, the North Sydney Council and the Heritage Council chose and approved the ramp design.
While some local residents opposed the project, the need for improved accessibility was a key driver. The project has been under discussion for over a decade, with cyclists advocating for a better solution to the stairway challenge.
Published Date 11-Feb-2025
