WORKS COMMENCE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CYCLEWAY

When the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932, cyclists were allowed to ride on the main deck of the Bridge.  As motor vehicle traffic increased, cyclists were relegated to riding on the designated cycleway on the western side of the bridge. It is a fantastic way to reach the city with beautiful views down the Parramatta River and the best evening sunsets – but only for cyclists who can manoeuvre their bikes up and down the infamous concrete steps at Milsons Point. The $38.9 million cycleway will link the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point, improving the accessibility of the bike route for riders of all ages.

Aspect Studios are lead consultant for the design team, comprising Collins and Turner, Eckersley O’Callaghan, Design 5, Electrolight and Yerrabingin. Global design director of Aspect Studios Sacha Coles said the cycleway is the “culmination of over 40 years of advocacy by cycling groups and Sydneysiders, championing an equitable and inclusive connection between Sydney City (Gadigal Country) and North Sydney (Cammeraygal Country).”

The ramp is elegant and touches Bradfield Park as lightly as possible. As the design has evolved, long-term impacts to heritage, landscape, visual amenity and traffic have been carefully ameliorated.  The ramp and columns have been carefully designed to respect the Milsons Point Station forecourt. The ramp curves away from the railway station entrance, allowing this historically significant feature space to breathe.

The project’s brief had a very strong focus on connecting to Country, to recognise and honour local Aboriginal history and culture. A bespoke paving design by Aboriginal artists Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing draws on the imagery and themes of local marine life in Gadigal and Cammeraygal land. Two intertwining eels are shown along the length of the ramp, one journeying north and one south. They reflect the physical and spiritual connection between the Gadigal and Cammeraygal at this important crossing of Sydney Harbour. 

The ramp has been designed to complement the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its heritage values. Materials include bronze, granite, high-quality concrete and steel. The steel structure will be painted the same colour as the Harbour Bridge, bringing together the old and the new.

Stone for the paving design is being sourced from across Australia and internationally in an ochre palette of 4 warm earth colours. This will include granite from Moruya on the NSW South Coast. This is the same granite used for the original Harbour Bridge pylons - another link between the past, present and future. The custom bronze balustrades will be made from the same alloy type as the Sydney Opera House bronze, bringing together two iconic Sydney landmarks.

The NSW 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 eight or 80 – this ramp has been designed with riders of all ages and abilities in mind,” added the minister.

The separation of people walking and cycling will continue all the way to Lavender Street. New dedicated bicycle paths and raised crossings will create a safe route for riders of all ages and abilities.

The works on the cycleway on the western side of the bridge are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.