Many plans to replace the steps have been explored over the years, most recently in 2017.

A part of our recent review, we investigated a range of alternatives to a ramp. These included replacing the steps with lifts or travelators, swapping the cycleway to the eastern side of the bridge, and putting bikes back on the bridge deck. We also checked to make sure that the existing cycleway is fit for purpose.

We now have confirmed that the cycleway needs to stay on the western side of the bridge to connect to the Sydney CBD bike network, and that replacing the steps and barriers would more than double the cycleway capacity and meet cycling demand over the next 15-20 years. This led us to re-look at ramp options.

We have worked with leading urban design, architectural and heritage experts to develop two ramp concepts to replace the steps.

This project attracts passionate views both in support and against an upgrade to the existing cycleway access. During our consultation, we heard widespread support for a ramp, and a preference for the linear ramp from all respondents.

In response to community feedback, and the preference of a linear ramp, Transport for NSW will proceed with the linear ramp option, extending north above Milsons Point Station Plaza.

We are committed to making sure the ramp design respects the heritage of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the significance of this location, and makes a positive contribution to the local area.

Both ramp options included a separated cycle path along Alfred Street to ensure cyclists can safely move to the existing bike network and prevent collisions with pedestrians and other road users.

During the community consultation, we asked the community to provide us with feedback on the proposed plans for the Alfred Street cycle path as part of a ramp upgrade.

As designs progress for the preferred linear option, the community will once again have a chance to comment on updated plans for the Alfred Street separated cycle path.

Linear option - separated cycle path along Alfred Street

During the consultaton period, we hosted two community livestream events to answer questions about the project.

You can find recordings of both events on this page.

To watch a replay of the livestream hosted on Tuesday 15 June, press play on the embedded video on this page:

To watch a recording of the livestream hosted on Wednesday 23 June, you can view via the embedded video on this page:

Following community consultation and a comprehensive review of all feedback received, Transport for NSW will progress with the preferred linear ramp option.

We have commenced a design competition to find a leading architectural team with heritage and Connecting with Country expertise to design a ramp of the highest calibre.

Later this year, the community will have a chance to comment on three shortlisted designs before we select a winning ramp design. We will also seek feedback on plans for the Alfred Street cycle path and the Lavender Street roundabout.

The community will have an opportunity to have their say on the final design and we will display the project’s Review of Environmental Factors.

Access to the southern end of the cycleway includes a steep ramp between Upper Fort Street and Bradfield Highway outside the National Trust Building.

In 2016, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) developed a design concept to replace this access with a separated and more accessible ramp. A Review of Environmental Factors was displayed in 2017.

However, the REF was not determined because the southern access project is unfunded.

We are committed to getting the right long-term solution for the cycleway but are not proposing to upgrade the southern access project just yet. We will stage our investment by first upgrading the northern access and reviewing the southern access as demand picks up in response to the northern upgrade.