Alfred Street Bridge opens to pedestrians and cyclists in Parramatta
Cyclists, architects and pedestrians have embraced Parramatta’s new landmark – a $19m bridge to connect the river city.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Parramatta’s growing status as a river city now has a befitting landmark to match the title thanks to the Alfred Street Bridge, which has opened to the public.
The sophisticated, car-free $19m structure across the Parramatta River links pedestrians and cyclists from north of the waterway to the CBD and the Tramway Ave light rail stop when the line starts operating in 2024.
The 200m-long, 4.5m-wide span boasts Australia’s first diagonal arch structure and connects to the new 5.7km shared path between George St and Noller Pde that runs alongside the light rail corridor.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said the bridge would cut commute times and make it easier to connect to public transport and reach the CBD.
“It’s an important link that will connect the community to more than 20km of pedestrian and cycling paths to enjoy and explore our natural surroundings,” he said.
Architect Adam Guernier said the structure, designed to celebrate the gateway to the city, was exactly what was envisaged in his team’s initial meeting.
“It’s very rare to see something emerge from that idea and then get built in that way so it’s enormously satisfying for us as a design team to be witness to that,’’ he said.
Parramatta Cycling Club president Paul McDonald is another fan of the bridge.
“It’s fantastic infrastructure,’’ he said.
“It’s going to provide access for pedestrians and cyclists, and link with the light rail.
“Also the developers will love it too,’’ he said, pointing north of the river where multistorey units already dominate the riverbank.
Fellow cyclist Charlene Bordley of Blacktown cycles three days a week in Parramatta and “can’t wait to watch the sunset’’ on the bridge.
“It’s going to be amazing,’’ she said, adding how the span would help people get out more and explore their neighbourhood.
Merrylands father-of-two Aaron Miller, who was contracted to work on the bridge as an engineer, loves its design.
“It’s nice to see something that’s a bit architecturally risky,’’ he said.
“It’s not like a standard concrete bridge. They’ve gone out of their way to make it really nice and it shows.’’
As the bridge opened, the state government pledged $60m for councils across NSW – particularly in western Sydney and regional communities – towards projects that will improve walking and cycling.
Councils can apply for grants in the latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program, with $10m for councils to deliver projects within walking catchments to primary schools.
The Alfred bridge was funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program ($3.5m), the Planning Department ($8.15m) and Parramatta Council ($7.5m).
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it was exciting to see the Alfred Street Bridge coming to life.
“This is a gathering to open a spectacular steel structure but it’s also about connecting the community,’’ she said.
Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis said “Alfie” would unlock the eastern part of the CBD.
Thousands without power as more storms loom for Sydney
Sydney is bracing for more storms after severe weather brought lightning, large hailstones, and heavy rain, leaving thousands without power. Emergency services responded to dozens of calls for help, with the inner west hit hardest by the deluge.
Leading company pulls out of Illawarra Wind Zone
A world-leading offshore wind company has decided it won’t bid on the controversial project, with Chris Bowen’s office refusing to confirm if other companies are still in the race.