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.

• The first is a gently curving ramp running above Milsons Point Station Plaza.
• The second is a double-looped ramp at Bradfield Park Central.

The cycleway ramp design will respect the heritage of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and befit this iconic location.

Artist impression of the linear option

Artist impression of the looped option

Both ramp options include 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. The loop option would also include a separated bike path or shared zone for both walking and cycling on Burton Street.

Linear option - separated cycle path along Alfred Street

Looped option –  separated cycle path along Alfred Street and Shared Zone on Burton Street

We are holding several events during June where you can meet the team and learn more about the project.

Community drop-in sessions

Thursday 10 June, 2.00pm–7.00pm, Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, Fitzroy Street

Tuesday 22 June, 2.00pm–7.00pm, Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, Fitzroy Street

Click here to register for our drop-in sessions. This will help us to put in place Covid-safe measures and contact you if the situation changes.

Pop-up sessions

Tuesday 8 June, 6.00am–8.00am, foot of northern access steps

Sunday 13 June, 8.30am–3.00pm, Kirribilli Markets, Stall O25

Wednesday 16 June, 4.00pm–6.00pm, foot of northern access steps

Sunday 27 June, 10.00am–12.00pm, foot of the northern access steps

Livestream session

Tuesday 15 June, 1.00pm–2.00pm

Click here to register for our Livestream session.

We are inviting the community to tell us what they think about the options before midnight on Sunday 27 June 2021.  Click here to complete our survey or make a submission.

We are planning to select a preferred option before the end of the year, following community consultation and a comprehensive review of all feedback received. We will work with bike riders and community members to ensure the final design is developed to be complimentary and appropriate for the heritage setting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge precinct.

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.