Parramatta Council explores more bicycle, pedestrian paths for Northmead, Winston Hills

A network of cycle paths to link suburbs north of Parramatta to the CBD has been proposed amid concerns an ‘imposing’ bridge should be relocated. See the plans here.

A network of pedestrian and cycling paths could expand by 3km to connect Northmead and Winston Hills to the Parramatta CBD but concerns have been raised that an “imposing” pedestrian bridge is in the wrong spot.

Parramatta Council conducted a major study to expand the cycle network and has placed the plans on public exhibition so the community can have its say.

The study investigated the viability of separate pedestrian and cyclist paths along Kleins Rd - between Moxhams Rd and Darling Mills Creek, Northmead - and an “active transport” bridge over Darling Mills Creek.

The study also assessed a new pedestrian and cyclist network through North Parramatta connecting the bridge – potentially to be called the Darling Mills Bridge – to Parramatta Park and the CBD.

Another artist impression of how a bridge could look.

A connecting path network east and west of Kleins Rd, Northmead, and further north up to Winston Hills and the M2 will be assessed, along with separate pedestrian and cyclist paths along the main corridor from Moxhams Rd to CommBank Stadium.

The potential to extend the city’s extensive active transport network north from the CBD and Parramatta Park was also evaluated.

“We want to provide as many opportunities as possible for residents to walk and ride around our beautiful city, but we also want to get it right,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said.

“This study provides a picture of a safer and more enjoyable path network for both cyclists and pedestrians trying to get between Northmead, Winston Hills and Parramatta, away from the busy Windsor Rd and Church St corridors.’’

The bridge would be built at Northmead.

At a recent council meeting, Greens councillor Phil Bradley called for the bridge to be built slightly further upstream near Burlington Memorial Park at Northmead so it was away from the confluence of the Darling Mills, Parramatta River, Toongabbie Creek at Balfour St, near the heritage walk.

Cr Bradley said the site had iconic national significance because it was where Governor Arthur Phillip walked from Old Government House to find fresh water during Parramatta’s early settlement days.

“It is quite a significant structure that is very imposing on the bushland environment in an area that has iconic national significance in my mind,’’ he said.

A low level pedestrian crossing was suggested so bushland “already damaged by Northmead Pumping Station” could be preserved.

“I believe it is possible to have a bridge but further upstream of a lower scale, of one that will not (have a) severely detrimental visual impact in that location,’’ Cr Bradley said.

But Our Local Community’s Michelle Garrard said the location of the bridge was no more historically sensitive than the Alfred St Bridge that opened across the Parramatta River in October.

Parramatta Council chief executive Gail Connolly said a change in design could be considered after public consultation.

Since 2017, the council, and state and federal governments, have provided 8.5km of cycling facility upgrades to Parramatta worth $53m.

Another $135m has been secured to plan, design and construct a further 20km of paths.

Feedback can be provided on the Participate Parramatta website until 5pm on Tuesday, June 25.

Originally published as Parramatta Council explores more bicycle, pedestrian paths for Northmead, Winston Hills