Commuters, walkers, and cyclists will soon enjoy a wider shared path as the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge at the Narrabeen Lagoon has finally started earlier in February 2022.
Read: Enjoy a Lovely Nature Hike Along Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
Works involve extending the bridge and widening the footpath at the western end to ensure that there are no bottlenecks created.
Due to the narrow width of the existing pedestrian path on the western side of the bridge along Pittwater Road, it is not suitable to be used as a shared path. The existing bridge was built in 1946 and has a limited lifespan.
Once the existing bridge is upgraded, it will be constructed to a higher flood level to comply with current bridge design standards (to the same level as the new pedestrian and cycle bridge).
The new pedestrian bridge, which will be 3m wide, was designed to comply with a 100-year flood level. The original concept estimated installation of six piers, however following detailed engineering, the Northern Beaches Council identified the need for additional piers to reduce flex and support the stability of the bridge.
Narrabeen bridge arrangement plan (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)
It was proposed back in 2018 as locals used to complain to Council about the narrow shared path being a ‘bottleneck’ and a ‘safety hazard’ for cyclists and walkers.
“At the moment, a one-metre wide section of the Pittwater Road bridge is shared by walkers, joggers and bike riders. It’s led to bottlenecks and become a bit of a safety hazard,” said Rob Stokes MP, Member for Pittwater, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Cities, and Minister for Active Transport.
“This project will make it safer and more inviting for people to walk, jog or ride along what is one of Sydney’s great waterfront links,” Mr Stokes added.
The $3-million bridge is funded through a grant from Transport for NSW and supplemented by funding from Councils Stronger Communities Fund. Depending on weather conditions, works are expected to be complete by May 2022.
