Works now underway on NSW’s $19M Alfred Street Bridge

Construction has begun on the Alfred Street Bridge, a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Parramatta River between James Ruse Drive and the Gasworks Bridge in New South Wales.

The $19 million project is part of the revitalisation of the River, and is a key element within a network of planned pedestrian and cyclist improvements throughout the city. At 4.5 meters wide and almost 200m long, it will be the first true diagonal arch bridge in Australia.

The project will deliver an accessible connection over the river directly to the Parramatta Light Rail stop on the southern side, along with services, schools and recreational opportunities.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Alfred Street Bridge is the latest significant investment in the popular active transport network along and around the Parramatta River.

“More local residents will be able to walk, run or ride to Parramatta Park, Parramatta CBD, Sydney Olympic Park, the wider M4 regional cycleway and the Alfred Street cycleway once these works are completed,” Stokes said.

The river crossing will complement a cycleway that connects to the light rail, along with significant improvements in Alfred Street, a new riverfront amphitheatre and the upgrades in Charles Street.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said an investment of more than $60 million will ensure the people of Parramatta have the infrastructure and transport networks they need.

“Parramatta is one of our fastest growing cities, with the population expected to expand by more than 200,000 over the next 20 years,” Roberts said.

“Investing in vital infrastructure now will pave the way for more than 72,000 homes to be built and at least 113,000 jobs created to cater for the demand. This has already started with the recent construction of almost 500 homes along Morton Street.”

The project is being partly funded through the New South Wales Government’s Housing Acceleration Fund, which provides grants for critical infrastructure projects which help support the delivery of housing. Funding of $7.5 million has been committed by the State Government through this stream.

For more information on the bridge, click here.