Delivering step-free cycling access while honouring heritage and fostering a more inclusive, sustainable harbour crossing

Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway Upgrade

For years, riders faced 55 steep steps at Milsons Point to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a challenge for anyone with mobility issues or a heavy bike.

A new ramp now offers step-free access for riders of all ages and abilities.

Honouring the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s heritage was central to the design. Slender, pigmented concrete piers and continuous girders blend with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Viaduct walls and surrounding parkland. A paving design inspired by Aboriginal artwork using granite celebrates Aboriginal culture and history.

We led the technical development of the project, tackling the bridge’s highly sophisticated design and its slender, elegant form, both of which posed challenges with pedestrian induced vibrations.

Without changing the bridge’s geometry or visual character, our design team reimagined the bridge’s articulation and foundation using advanced finite element modelling. We also created a 3D model of the bridge by leveraging advanced skills in Revit modelling. This innovative approach enhanced the structure’s dynamic performance and helped reduce onsite construction impacts.

Throughout the six-month design phase, our team overcame significant constraints, including a challenging schedule, demanding design and construction conditions, and a rigorous technical review and approval process.

The complex geometry of the bridge demanded the precise fabrication of thousands of unique steel components. Through ongoing collaboration with fabricators, our team coordinated the complex geometries and numerous bespoke steel elements, providing both precision and superior quality throughout the project.

Additionally, we created custom systems to protect the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s historic features and provided ongoing construction support through inspections and quality assurance reviews.

By enhancing accessibility and honouring Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, this project is creating a safer, more inclusive space that brings the community together for generations to come.