Sydney - Middle East Times Int’l: New footpaths, bike paths, safer crossings, street trees and upgraded lighting are set to increase the connectivity, amenity and safety for the community with works on Alfred Street Pedestrian and Cyclist Upgrade Stage 2A to begin this month. 

Works will focus on upgrading the paths along Alfred Street between Eleanor Street and Clay Cliff Creek to improve the experience for pedestrians and cyclists looking to get to the M4 Shared Path, Parramatta River foreshore or the recently completed Alfred Street Bridge, which is currently being used by more than 500 people each day. 

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said Parramatta has a long history of delivering high quality pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in recent years including Alfred Street Bridge, the Escarpment Boardwalk and the Ermington Foreshore paths. 

 “We’re a step closer to bringing our vision to life as we connect our pedestrian and cycling network south of Alfred Street Bridge and increase active transport in Parramatta,” Cr Esber said. 

“For the 50,000 people who travel along the river each month, these new paths will make it easier and safer to walk or ride to surrounding schools and work, or even the local shops, and we expect this to increase further once the final stages are complete in the future.” 

The $8.2 million upgrade is funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program, in association with the City of Parramatta. 

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the Alfred Street upgrade is key to creating a connected network of footpaths and cycleways across Parramatta and beyond.

 “The NSW Government has provided City of Parramatta Council with a $7.6 million funding grant to ensure this project makes it easier for people to travel in and around Parramatta’s CBD, and link up with the future Parramatta Light Rail stop at Tramway Avenue,” Ms Haylen said.  

“Active transport is not only great for the health of our communities but also for reducing traffic congestion, emissions and transport costs.” 

“We know more people are embracing walking and riding as their preferred way to get around. The Alfred Street project is one of 21 walking and cycling connections being delivered in Parramatta under our Get NSW Active program this year.”

Get NSW Active provides councils with grants to deliver projects that encourage more people to walk or bike ride as part of their everyday travel.   

Design work has also been completed on the final section of the Alfred Street Pedestrian and Cyclist Upgrade, between Clay Cliff Creek and George Street, which will seamlessly link pedestrians and cyclists from the M4 to the river. 

The Alfred Street Stage 2A project is expected to open by the end of the year.