Funding Secured For Australia’s First Diagonal Arch Bridge

Australia’s first true diagonal arch bridge is one step closer to reality with City of Parramatta Council securing a multimillion-dollar funding contribution from the NSW Government’s Housing Acceleration Fund for its construction.

The impressive new pedestrian and cyclist connection will provide the City’s growing number of residents, workers, students and visitors a safe, convenient and scenic walking and cycling link across the Parramatta River to the east of the CBD via the 190-metre-long Alfred Street Bridge.

“The number of people using our riverside paths and cycleways has more than doubled in some parts over the last five years ‒ and that was before we saw a spike in usage during the COVID-19 crisis,” said City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer.

“The need for a bridge connecting the northern and southern sides of the river at the eastern end of the City is clear, and the new Alfred Street Bridge will make these trips around our City safer and faster.”

Set to transform the way people move around the City and its surrounding suburbs, Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the project would be “Sydney’s best continuous pedestrian and cycleway” enabling “residents to safely cross over the river and enjoy our beautiful area.”

Led by Australian company Bonacci Infrastructure, the design of the bridge will connect the Parramatta CBD with Western Sydney University’s Rydalmere campus. Rising 30 metres above the water, the arch will tower across the Parramatta River spanning 80 metres.

Providing direct access to the proposed Parramatta Light Rail stop on the southern bank, the bridge will link our key regional cycling routes, providing a safer rider experience.

“As well as being great exercise, travelling through our City by bike or foot gives people an opportunity to experience Parramatta from a completely different perspective,” said Cr Dwyer.

Speaking with the Daily Telegraph, Dwyer said demand for the bridge had more than doubled over the last five years, well before the spike seen during the COVID-19 crisis.

Adding to more riverside infrastructure projects, the new bridge will join the $16.5 million boardwalk under-construction as part of the Parramatta Quay development.

“Whether you are travelling across the bridge or down the river, you will share the same experience of passing under the majestic arch,” said Cr Dwyer.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2021 once the final stages of planning are approved.