After decades of campaigning by Bicycle Network and local advocates, the Sydney Harbour Bridge bike ramp has finally been given the all-clear for construction.
The necessary approvals have been obtained and works will start in early 2024.
The new ramp will be applauded by the many riders forced to climb 55 steps to access the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway from the northern end each day.
Further, the completed ramp will serve as an important new north-south link in Sydney's bike network and greatly improve access to the bridge for children, elderly adults, people with disabilities and those with heavier cargo bikes and e-bikes.
In April of 2022, Transport for NSW settled on the linear ramp design to take riders from the northern end of the bridge down to the adjacent Bradfield Park. This would offer riders a gentle gradient and preserve the heritage and aesthetics of the iconic bridge.
In June this year, the NSW Heritage Council approved the design, passing the baton on to Transport for NSW for a comprehensive Review of Environmental Factors for the project. This has now been completed and the project has been given the green light.
The design has, however, been tweaked to further minimise visual impacts of the project. These include shortening the ramp length and adjustments to lighting.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Ramp descends into Bradfield Park (Credit: Aurecon)
The ramp will have a width of three metres and begin at Bradfield Park North near Burton Street. It will also feature prominent artwork that honours the Aboriginal history of the area by depicting eels that travel up the Sydney harbour and the coming together of the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.
Transport for NSW expects the link to support the predicted future growth of bike riders travelling north and south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
"The Minns Labor Government wants to make it easier for anyone who can walk or ride a bike, to walk and ride," says Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said.
"It frees up space on the roads and on public transport for others, it’s a lot of fun, and you get to enjoy one of the world’s best views as you zoom along the deck of the Harbour Bridge. I look forward to seeing work begin early next year."