Alfred Street Bridge

Alfred Street Bridge, a new river crossing between James Ruse Drive and Gas Works Bridge, is starting to take shape. The concrete approach ramps on both sides of the bank are almost complete, and we’re getting ready for the next exciting stage – assembling the deck and arch on site.

In March and April (dates tbc), both the 80m long by 7m wide deck, and the 80m long and 30m high arch will each be craned into place as single pieces.  The steel cables that hang the deck off the arch, will then be installed.

Fast facts:

While the diagonal arch bridge was designed to appear simple and elegant, this distinct urban landmark is no lightweight.  Whether travelling across or along the Parramatta River, pedestrians, cyclists and ferry passengers all get to pass through an arch on their journey and enjoy glimpses of sky framed by the Alfred Street Bridge.

• Length: 200m
• Width: 4.5m (clear width)
• Height: 30m (at peak arch)
• Weight: More than 200T of Australian steel was used to fabricate the deck and arch, and there is 780 cubic metres of concrete used in construction.

Design:

The first true diagonal arch bridge in Australia, the profile of the bridge deck, which arches gently over the Parramatta River, has been shaped to maximise the graceful appearance of this new river crossing.

The bridge has a sculpted quality. It shifts in orientation, curving from east to west as it connects neighbourhoods either side of the river. This subtle change in direction means when pedestrians exit the bridge, they are guided to a usable green open space area.

The deck of the bridge is also on a slight angle to the vertical plane of the arch. This shift – made visible by the cables tying the deck to the arch fanning out in a curve alongside the structure – provides strength and additional visual interest.

Pedestrians and cyclists are invited to cross the bridge and take in the views, including the small river inlet downstream from the bridge on the north bank.

When ferry passengers pass under the archway, the river and mangroves are framed by the gateway, and the curves of the Alfred Street Bridge arch soar to a peak of 30m above.

The Alfred Street Bridge is a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Parramatta River between James Ruse Drive and the Gasworks Bridge.  At 4.5 meters wide and almost 200m long, it will be the first true diagonal arch bridge in Australia.

Co-funded by City of Parramatta and the NSW Government, this $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 to get the community out on their wheels or their legs!

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.  With the new bridge, even more of the community can now enjoy and experience over 20km of off-road paths along the Parramatta River. 

Construction has substantially commenced on site and is anticipated to be complete in May 2023*.

*This project has experienced delays outside of Council's control (contractor, steel availability, weather).

If you have any questions you can get in touch with our Customer Contact Centre on 1300 617 058.