Media Release - City of Parramatta
Monday 4 June 2018
Missing link of Parramatta River foreshore path to be built in the CBD
A critical missing link in the Parramatta Valley Cycleway will now be completed after State Government funding was secured for the Escarpment Boardwalk project along the Parramatta River.
The Escarpment Boardwalk project will complete the walking and cycling path on the northern bank of the Parramatta River, connecting Parramatta Park to Meadowbank.
Located opposite the ferry wharf in the Parramatta CBD, the Escarpment Boardwalk will be a river level path that will allow cyclists and pedestrians to access the CBD foreshore on the northern bank. The project will also include an upper level pedestrian link between Queens Avenue and Stewart Street.
“I’m delighted that we’ve secured State Government support for this vital project, which will enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of the entire Parramatta Valley Cycleway for cyclists and pedestrians,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Andrew Wilson said.
“This new link will halve the current travel distance, remove steep inclines and avoid a number of road crossings. This will provide much safer access for all path users, including students at Macarthur Girls High School.
“It will also improve local traffic flow by reducing the volume of pedestrians and cyclists using the crossing on Macarthur Street.
“This project will make it possible to walk or cycle off-road for almost 20km on a high quality path between Parramatta Park and Sydney Olympic Park via Parramatta CBD and the Western Sydney University (WSU) campus in Rydalmere.”
More than $10 million has been allocated to the Escarpment Boardwalk out of the State Government’s Cycling Infrastructure Fund, and construction is expected to be completed in early 2019.
Where possible, construction of the project will be in parallel with Transport for NSW’s Transport Access Program upgrade of the Parramatta Ferry Wharf to minimise impacts to ferry customers, as well as surrounding businesses and residents.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said funding set aside in the NSW State Budget, to be delivered on Tuesday 19 June, would help build the foreshore path.
“Parramatta is one of the three city hubs identified by the Greater Sydney Commission and is already forging a bold new future for Western Sydney,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This new pathway will help connect the Parramatta CBD to Meadowbank and provide a great link for cyclists and pedestrians through Sydney Olympic Park.”
“This project will open up a big stretch of the river to local residents and people who work in the CBD. It illustrates our commitment to fund both major projects such as Parramatta Stadium and the Powerhouse Museum, and build local infrastructure which improves people’s enjoyment of the area.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said: “This funding will build the most eagerly awaited link along the Parramatta River.”
“Already we have invested millions of dollars over the past five years to open up the river frontage. This link will deliver Sydney’s best shared pedestrian and cycle way along the banks of the Parramatta River, making Parramatta the most liveable city.”
In recent years, with the support of both State and Federal governments, there has been significant work undertaken to complete the river foreshore path within the City of Parramatta.
Recent sections of the river path that have been completed include:
- Subiaco Creek Path, Rydalmere
- Baludarri Wetlands Boardwalk, Rangihou Reserve to James Ruse Drive, and Western Sydney University
- The Lennox Bridge Portals
After the construction of these projects there has been a significant increase in pedestrian and cyclist use of the river foreshore. Almost 400,000 users were recorded last year, and it is on track to increase to half a million in 2018
