Parramatta: Alfred Street Bridge links pedestrians from CBD to east
Funding has finally been secured for ‘Australia’s first diagonal arch bridge’ that will link pedestrians and cyclists from Parramatta CBD’s to east of the River City. SEE WHAT THE BRIDGE WILL LOOK LIKE.
Parramatta
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Parramatta’s Alfred Street Bridge, which links pedestrians and cyclists from the CBD to the east, is closer to reality after funding was announced for the multi-million dollar span.
Parramatta Council has secured a funding contribution from the State Government that will see construction of the 190m long, 4.5m wide span start early next year and open early 2022.
The main arch will tower more than 30m above the water and span 80m across the Parramatta River. The bridge will be 4.5 metres wide to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said there was a demand for the bridge, which the council was also funding.
“The number of people using our riverside paths and cycleways has more than doubled in some parts over the last five years ‒ and that was before we saw a spike in usage during the COVID-19 crisis,” he said.
“It’s exciting that Parramatta will be home to the first true diagonal arch bridge in the country. “Whether you are travelling across the bridge or down the river, you will share the same experience of passing under the majestic arch.’’
Australian company Bonacci Infrastructure has designed the bridge, which will connect the Parramatta CBD with Baludarri Drive and Western Sydney University’s Rydalmere campus, provide direct access to the proposed Parramatta Light Rail’s Tramway Ave stop and link four key regional cycling paths.
The council is co-funding the project through development contributions and planning agreements.
The council revealed plans for the bridge in 2017 but plans stalled despite thousands of residents moving into massive unit blocks sprawling the river.
The delay frustrated developers who chipped in for the project.
Toplace’s Jean Nassif, who owns the 322-unit Riviera Apartments on River Rd West, forked out almost $1.2 million for the bridge as part of developers’s contributions.
On the opposite side of the river, Starryland spent $1.75 million under a voluntary planning agreement for its 773-unit Promenade complex at Morton St.
Parramatta Geoff Lee said the bridge, for which the council has sought expressions of interest, would transform the way people move around the city and suburbs.
The infrastructure adds to more riverside projects, including the $16.5 million boardwalk under-construction as part of the Parramatta Quay development.
Once complete, the boardwalk, which starts opposite Parramatta ferry wharf, will complete the cycling and walking path connecting Parramatta Park to Melrose Park on the northern side of the river.