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And its underway! Commuters who ride across the Sydney Harbour Bridge will have noticed the two large construction compounds at Milsons Point.

These are, of course, for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway northern access ramp. 

After 4 decades of advocacy, the delivery of this key missing link in the city’s cycling network is getting closer!

Bicycle NSW has been involved with project meetings and design briefings since the linear ramp by ASPECT Studios was selected in 2022. The project’s approach to Design Excellence has been impressive.  We are confident that the legacy of our hard-fought campaign is a VERY high-quality piece of infrastructure for future generations of bike riders. 

An aerial view of the connection to the existing cycleway. A lot of thought has gone into the width and angle of the transition. Bollards were shown on earlier plans, but these have been removed – thank goodness! The existing heritage staircase will remain in place for cyclists who want to use it (Image: Transport for NSW)

Until last week the project details were confidential. But finally, we can share the designs!

An architectural icon for Sydney

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.

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 (Image: Transport for NSW)

The 170 metre long, 3-metre-wide structure will largely be prefabricated off-site to speed up the construction period. 

The paving

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 intertwined eels form organic circles, providing a contemporary icon to reference meeting places, water holes and campfires. When viewed from the air, the pattern creates a striking symbol of Aboriginal art. (Image: Transport for NSW)

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 style of the paving pattern is organic and handmade. The small steel inserts provide a subtle diving line that will reflect the sun and sky during the day, and bike lights at night. (Image: Transport for NSW)

Bicycle NSW is blown away by NSW Government’s decision to invest in artwork for the ramp’s surface. It is going to look incredible – particularly when seen from the apartments opposite!

The balustrade

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 rhythm of the balustrades will accentuate the curves and play with light and shade. Low level lighting will be integrated into the handrails (Image: Transport for NSW)

The landing area

A section of Bradfield Park will be reconfigured to create a paved rest area with a bike repair station, water bubbler, a bike pump stand and seating.  This will be a comfortable and welcoming place for the community to gather.

The small segment of the Sydney Harbour Bridge parapet that needs to be removed at the top of the ramp will be relocated near the rest area.  This adaptive reuse of heritage begins a new chapter in the long story of change in Milsons Point.

The landing area with a section of the heritage parapet set within the landscaping (Image: Transport for NSW)

Very few trees need to be removed to construct the ramp and landing area. The latest info on tree removal is here

But the project is more than a ramp

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.

This diagrammatic plan shows the project footprint which includes a separated cycleway along Alfred Street, linking the bottom of the ramp with Lavender and Middlemiss Street (Image: Transport for NSW)

Looking south down Alfred St towards Milsons Point (Image:Transport for NSW)

Want to follow the project’s progress?

Head to the official project page to subscribe to email updates.   

A very smart interactive website tells the story of the bridge, the connections to country, the heritage of Milsons Point, the project history and the design process. 

Of course, Bicycle NSW will share photos and updates over the next year. We are also hoping to receive more technical details very soon.

Another missing link

We are sure that the ramp will become a new architectural icon for Sydney and draw admirers from far and wide.

Unfortunately, it will still be very difficult to cycle north through North Sydney to reach destinations such as Crows Nest, Neutral Bay, Cammeray and Chatswood. Or to connect with the Gore Hill cycleway towards Lane Cove and Macquarie Park.

It is a major failure of planning and policy that the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project does not include the game-changing upgrades to the active transport network that residents and commuters have advocated for over three decades.

A separated cycleway between Arthur St and West St was the top priority identified by the Warringah Freeway Upgrade Active Transport Network Review. Our 2023 submission is here

But there is no sign that Transport for NSW will relinquish a scrap of road space. Despite spending billions building the Western Harbour Tunnel to take vehicles off the surface roads in North Sydney.

We continue to urge TfNSW to reallocate a lane on the Pacific Highway and fill a critical gap in the regional bike network.

Before you go…

Bicycle NSW has been campaigning for a better environment for bike riding for almost 50 years. It is the only bicycle advocacy group based in NSW with full time staff advocating every day for all riders. But did you know that we are funded only by membership fees and donations?

Please join Bicycle NSW and support our advocacy for better infrastructure and safer streets. You will also ride easy, covered by our comprehensive insurance and enjoy many other Member-only benefits.

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