Major works on the new $38.9 million, 200-metre-long Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway ramp are commencing this December.
The cycleway will link the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point, with the new ramp eliminating the need for cyclists to climb 55 stairs and improving the accessibility of the bike route for riders of all ages.
Aspect Studios are lead consultant for the design team, comprising Collins and Turner, Eckersley O’Callaghan, Design 5, Electrolight and Yerrabingin. Global design director of Aspect Studios Sacha Coles said the cycleway is the “culmination of over 40 years of advocacy by cycling groups and Sydneysiders, championing an equitable and inclusive connection between Sydney City (Gadigal Country) and North Sydney (Cammeraygal Country).”
He added, “Our design respects the heritage fabric of the bridge by minimising the connection point to the bridge itself and reusing a piece of the removed parapet in the park’s design. The ramp’s gentle 1:25 grade ensures accessibility for all abilities and bike types.
“The serpentine sweep of the ramp has been carefully designed to provide adequate clearance around the Milsons Point station entrance while aligning closely with the existing bridge viaduct.”
The ramp paving design by Aspect Studios is inspired by an artwork from Aboriginal artists Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing, which depicts interconnecting eels. “Their design of intersecting ribbons of movement symbolises the journey from south to north, celebrating the theme of connection,” Coles said.
Another notable feature of the cycleway is the use of Moruya granite, which the landscape architects mentioned is the same granite used for the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons.
The NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said, “Around 2,000 trips are taken across the cycleway each weekday, making it not just our only cross-harbour bike link, but one of Sydney’s most heavily used – and we’re expecting those numbers to rise once the ramp is complete.”
“Every cyclist deserves to have safe and easy access to what is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most famed bike routes. Whether you’re eight or 80 – this ramp has been designed with riders of all ages and abilities in mind,” added the minister.
An updated collection of design renders have also been released, since the unveiling of an earlier iteration in August 2023. The project is anticipated to be complete by 2026.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
