Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway Ramp: A Seamless Connection
The new cycleway ramp at the northern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a transformative piece of civic infrastructure, designed to provide a safe, accessible, and enjoyable experience for people of all ages and cycling abilities – while respecting the heritage, cultural significance, and iconic presence of the bridge itself.
As the most heavily used cycle route in Sydney,the Harbour Bridge cycleway accommodates approximately 2,000 bike trips each weekday. Currently, cyclists face the challenge of navigating 55 steps to connect between the main bridge path and Bradfield Park North. The new ramp removes this barrier, creating a seamless and inclusive link.
The 190-meter-long structure is carefully designed to balance cyclist safety and comfort with sensitivity to its surroundings. Deep collaboration between architects, engineers, industrial designers, and landscape architects has resulted in a functional and thoughtfully designed space. Its elegant, interwoven curves suggest movement and lightness, while ensuring durability, ease of maintainance, and minimal visual impact on the Harbour bridge and Bradfield Park. Off-center pier placements and a central sweeping beam allow the structure to harmonise with its habitat, reducing overshadowing and preserving views.
The ramp’s paving design draws inspiration from local marine life, featuring two intertwined eels symbolizing the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples and representing the spiritual and physical connection across this historically notable crossing point.
Beyond the ramp itself, the project includes upgrades to pedestrian and cycling connections along Alfred and Lavender Streets, and a new public plaza adjacent to Bradfield Park. this plaza offers a welcoming and functional civic space for commuters,locals,and visitors,complete with seating,a water fountain,and a bike repair station.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp sets a new benchmark for integrating active transport infrastructure into sensitive heritage contexts, representing a visionary investment in lasting mobility and inclusive city-making.
