Work begins on Australian-first bridge as Parramatta River foreshore transforms

Work is underway on two major projects that will transform the Parramatta River foreshore and improve the way people travel around and access the Parramatta CBD.

City of Parramatta Council has started construction on Alfred Street Bridge, an impressive new pedestrian and cyclist connection over the Parramatta River between James Ruse Drive and Gasworks Bridge. The 4.5-metre-wide, 200-metre-long link will be the first true diagonal arch bridge in Australia.

The $19 million project, co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, will provide the City’s growing number of residents, workers, students and visitors a safe, convenient and scenic walking and cycling link over the River and directly to the Parramatta Light Rail.

“Not only is this bridge going to be a landmark and look incredible over our beautiful Parramatta River, it’s also going to make moving in and out of our Parramatta CBD much easier for a growing number pedestrians and cyclists,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“We’ve seen the number of people using our riverside paths and cycleways in this area double over the last five years, with usage spiking during the pandemic. There has been a clear need for a bridge at the eastern end of our CBD and the new Alfred Street Bridge will make these trips around our City safer and faster.”

The bridge is being manufactured in Western Sydney using 280 tonnes of Australian steel.

The project is a key part of Council’s plans to revitalise the Parramatta River foreshore, including the redevelopment of Charles Street Square. Work has now begun on the upgrade of this precinct, which sits adjacent the Ferry Wharf at Parramatta Quay. It follows the completion of the new Escarpment Boardwalk on the opposite side of the river.

The upgraded square will feature new ramps and stairs, a wide riverfront walk, paved terraces, an amphitheatre and new public shelter, set amongst extensive trees and gardens. 

“Charles Street Square has been a gathering place for locals and visitors for thousands of years and is the gateway to the Parramatta CBD for people who come by ferry. It needs to be a place that befits a global City like ours,” Cr Davis said.

“This area has been ripe for a refresh for many years so it’s incredibly exciting for work to begin on such an important project. The design combines the foreshore parkland setting with a contemporary urban space to create a feel I know everyone will love and a welcoming first step into our great City.”

The Charles Street Square project is also being co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, which is contributing $4.65 million to the $12.1 million upgrade.

Alfred Street Bridge is due for completion later this year, with work on the Charles Street Square upgrade scheduled to finish in early 2023.