Arch of Alfred Street Bridge over Parramatta River lifted into place

It was a golden arch milestone at Parramatta when the striking structure was lifted into place for a $19m pedestrian bridge. See more photos.

The Parramatta River’s newest landmark is edging closer to completion after the arch over the Alfred Street Bridge was lifted into place on Thursday.

The 30m feature marks a major milestone for Australia’s “first true diagonal arch bridge” and a new pedestrian and cyclist link over the river between James Ruse Drive and the Gas Works Bridge.

“Alfred Street Bridge will be a great new landmark that will benefit so many people as they travel through Parramatta,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said.

“We live in a beautiful city and we want to make it easier for people to walk, run, cycle, skate or wheel across the LGA and connect to public transport.”

The project, which the council and state government has funded, is in its final stages of construction, with the bridge ramps and decks measuring 80m long and 7m wide installed in late March.

Parramatta's Alfred Street Bridge arch was lifted into place on Thursday April 13.

Parramatta resident Greg Temme, who has lived in the area since 1985, has watched the bridge be assembled from his apartment window.

He said the bridge would cut his travel times by up to 20 minutes.

“We’re really looking forward to the opening of the Alfred Street Bridge,’’ he said.

“It will be a life-changing addition for us, it’s going to make it so much quicker to visit the town centre and the local shops.”

The bridge is expected to open mid-2023 and community consultation will take place after its official opening to name the structure.

The council’s recommendations will be submitted to the Geographical Names Board of NSW for formal exhibition and determination.

The bridge just before the arch was assembled into place.

Prime movers shifted more than 200,000kg of steel for the deck and arch, and 780,000kg of concrete into position.

A specialist crew from Italy will then attach the steel cables to the arch.

The crane can lift up to 750,000kg and reach as high as 193m.

Bonacci Infrastructure has designed the structure, which Parramatta Council has dubbed Alfie.

It was initially supposed to be finished in early 2022 and then pushed back to the end of last year before wet weather caused more delays.

Thousands of residents are set to welcome the bridge.

Along with the apartments flanking the river at Morton St, the bridge is expected to support Parramatta’s population, which is forecast to soar past 200,000 people in the next 20 years.

As the business end of the bridge gets under way, ferries from Parramatta Wharf have been suspended until Thursday, April 20, when buses will replace the vessels.

Originally published as Arch of Alfred Street Bridge over Parramatta River lifted into place