The final design of the 200-metre-long Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway has been unveiled with construction expected to be carried out over 18 months, commencing in early 2024.
The announcement of the timeline of the project comes after a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and a comprehensive period of community consultation.
Landscape architects Aspect Studios are working alongside Collins and Turner, Yerrabingin, Design 5 Architects, Eckersley O’Callaghan, JMT Consulting and Electrolight on the project.
The three-metre-wide bike ramp will extend from Bradfield Park North, connecting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway via an upgraded cycle route that links Middlemiss Street to the existing bicycle network. A new zebra crossing will also be established on Alfred Street South for pedestrians and cyclists to cross.
The elevated cycleway will feature a large-scale Aboriginal artwork depicting interconnected eels, as well as Indigenous names to honour the Gadigal and Cammeraygal people. The illustration, designed by Aboriginal artists Jason Wing and Maddison Gibbs as part of a design competition, shows two different coloured eels on their journey between freshwater and saltwater, highlighting the lifecycle of the eels as well as the physical transition. The eels signify the past and present resilience of Aboriginal people in overcoming barriers, adapting to new landscapes and seascapes and surviving social changes.
New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said projects that incorporate First Nations elements facilitate the sharing of culture. “Aboriginal culture is a living, dynamic culture and integral to Aboriginal identity. It has the ability to attribute places with meaningful identity and connection to Country. Initiatives such as this bring the oldest living culture in the world to life in meaningful ways, for all of us to share,” Harris said.
Transport minister Jo Haylen said they received more than 1,000 submissions from community members, organizations, schools and councils with input on the design. Following the high volume of community feedback, design refinements have been made to minimise the visual impact of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and improve safety.
“This project will be a game changer for kids, people on e-bikes, or people using cargo bikes. The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway will finally be accessible for anyone riding a bike,” Haylen said.
“The Minns Labor Government wants to make it easier for anyone who can walk or ride a bike, to walk and ride. It frees up space on the roads and on public transport for others, it’s a lot of fun, and you get to enjoy one of the world’s best views as you zoom along the deck of the Harbour Bridge. I look forward to seeing work begin early next year.”
