Transport department backtracks on night works for Harbour Bridge bike ramp after resident opposition

Transport for NSW has confirmed it will not proceed with accelerated night works to build a new bike ramp connection for Sydney Harbour Bridge following opposition from residents in Milsons Point.

UPDATE: Transport for NSW has confirmed it will not proceed with accelerated night works to build a new bike ramp connection for Sydney Harbour Bridge following opposition from residents in Milsons Point.

On Thursday, the transport department said according to feedback, residents and businesses opposed the accelerated program.

“As a result, night work will follow the previously approved (construction) schedule,” a spokeswoman said.

The move comes after residents accused the state’s transport department of “taking the mickey” out of the community over plans to carry out six months’ worth of noisy night works to build the bike ramp.

Homeowners living as close as 30m from the bridge feared they would be left unable to sleep as part of a proposal by Transport for NSW to construct the $38.9m cycleway at the northern end of the bridge.

In a notification to residents, the transport department said works would take place between 6pm to 7am for four nights a week from February to July.

Julia Connor, a member of the Milsons Point community precinct group, said the night works represented the latest blow for residents who have long-opposed the bike ramp.

Cyclists have to carry bikes up 55 stairs to access the northern end of the bridge.

The bike ramp will be built through Bradfield Park next to Milsons Point train station.

“It’s extraordinary they want to do night works that involve jack hammering and piling when most people are fast asleep,” Ms Connor said.

“We’re one the most densely populated suburbs in Sydney and there are buildings directly overlooking where the bike ramp will be built.

A concept image of the bike ramp.

“Because the buildings are so close, the noise will echo like crazy and people’s tempers are going to flare.

“It isn’t bad enough they’re building the damn ramp, but this is really taking the mickey.

“If you’re up all night, how do you function the next day?’’

The ramp will run through Bradfield Park.

Once completed, the bike ramp will negate the need for cyclists to carry bikes up 55 stairs, which is currently the only way for cyclists to cross the bridge.

Transport for NSW will build the ramp to improve accessibility and connectivity between Sydney’s CBD and the lower north shore.