Pyrmont cycleway construction set to begin

6 October 2009

Construction on an important link in the City of Sydney's planned 200km cycle network is scheduled to begin shortly in Pyrmont, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP announced today.

A two-way separated cycleway will be built on the northern side of Union Street, Pyrmont from Union Square to the western end of Pyrmont Bridge.

"This cycleway is an important part of our cycleway plans as it fills a missing link in the network for cyclists travelling from the inner west," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

"This cycleway is gives Sydneysiders more efficient options to get around our beautiful city in a more sustainable way.

As part of the City's Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan, we have allocated $76 million to build an extensive cycle network to increase cycling by 500 per cent by 2017.

The cycleway fills an important gap and will link the ANZAC Bridge cycleway with the existing shared path over the Pyrmont Bridge and the City's first separated cycleway on King St.

This route forms a key link in a 200km network of continuous cycle routes planned for Sydney that will provide much needed infrastructure to support the growing numbers people keen to ride as a sustainable form of transport.

By making cycling a real transport alternative, the City aims to reduce road congestion, cut emissions and improve public health.

During the morning and evening commuter peaks, Union Street is already used by over 300 cyclists every hour. It is expected that these figures will rise as additional components of the cycle network are completed.

At Union Square, cyclists will be able to transition to on-road cycle lanes on Miller Street. Another separated cycleway on Miller Street to Saunders Street is proposed as part of the cycle network.

In addition to the cycleway, the project also encompasses a range of measures to improve public domain along the cycleway route including widening footpaths along the congested approach to Murray Street, a raised pedestrian crossing on Union Street at Pyrmont Bridge Road, and planting new trees. No parking spaces will be lost as part of this project.

Media Contact:  Ron Cuadra on 9265 9333.