A striking new gateway into the City of Parramatta is now complete with the official opening of Alfred Street Bridge yesterday.
The $19 million project, co-funded by City of Parramatta Council and the NSW Government is Australia’s first true diagonal arch bridge.
Parramatta Mayor, Pierre Esber says the bridge is an important part in a growing network of active transport links to make the city easier to navigate for pedestrians and bike riders.
“We live in a beautiful City and Alfred Street Bridge will cut down commute times and make it easier to connect to public transport and travel to the CBD,” said the Mayor.
“It’s an important link that will connect the community to more than 20 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling paths to enjoy and explore our natural surroundings.”
The 4.5-metre-wide, 200-metre-long bridge spans the Parramatta River between James Ruse Drive and Gasworks Bridge. It will provide the City’s growing population with a convenient, safe and scenic connection over the river, directly to the future Stage 1 Parramatta Light Rail.
Mayor Esber said he was proud to officially open the much-needed bridge to the community.
“Alfred Street Bridge is a distinctive new landmark for our City that will make it safer and faster for our growing community to travel throughout Parramatta,” he said.
NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said the bridge was an important connection for Parramatta and beyond.
“The Alfred Street Bridge is a stunning new connection across the Parramatta River for people walking or jumping on their bikes,” Ms Haylen said.
“I’m proud the NSW Government could play a role in bringing this project to life. With an estimated 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips taken each year across NSW, it’s vital we make active transport options safer and easier.”
The bridge shifts in orientation curving from the east at the Alfred Street entry to the west at the Baludarri Drive end and connecting neighbourhoods on either side of the Parramatta River.
The unique diagonal arch gives people the opportunity to enjoy the experience of moving through the arch whether they are on the deck or passing underneath on a ferry.
Council says the community will have the opportunity to name the bridge with community consultation planned for 2024.
