A landmark bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will soon traverse Delhi Road and the Hills M2 motorway at North Ryde, with the first sod being turned today to mark the start of work on the $40 million project.

Landcom Chief Executive Officer John Brogden said the revolutionary steel bridge was being constructed to provide safe and easy access to Landcom’s Lachlan’s Line development, North Ryde Railway Station and Macquarie Park.

“Today is an exciting day for Landcom’s Lachlan’s Line project, with work beginning on this innovative, eye-catching bridge that will become a landmark in our city,” Mr Brogden said.

“The 160 metre-long bridge is one of the first of its kind in the world due to its complex 32mm flat plate steel construction, which twists and contorts to achieve the desired form.

“The complex design will require innovative fabrication and construction methods, marking a new approach to advanced steel manufacturing in this country, and the steel used to create the bridge will be sourced and manufactured in Australia.

“Its sinuous, fluid form gives it a sculptural quality, and the bridge will be very noticeable, with its blue spiralling truss design.

“The helix-shaped bridge design was chosen to mark the gateway to Landcom’s Lachlan’s Line urban precinct with an inspiring, unique structure.

“Thousands of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will interact with this engineering marvel each day, which is another example of Landcom’s commitment to providing high quality, safe infrastructure for residents of our developments and the wider community.”

Mr Brogden said a design and construct contract had been awarded to a joint venture between Arenco (NSW) and the Daracon Group at Beresfield, NSW, with Western Sydney-based steel fabricator S&L Steel, who are sub-contracted for the fabrication of the structure. 

“I’d like to congratulate bridge architect KI Studio and structural engineering firm Arup for coming up with this elegant and bold visual statement,” Mr Brogden said.

“Landcom values good design, and we are pleased this unique piece of infrastructure remains consistent with what was presented to and agreed with the Ryde community.

“Landcom has delivered many award-winning developments over the past 40 years, and this bridge is an important piece of infrastructure that will support the 5,000 new residents who will eventually reside at Lachlan’s Line, helping to reduce reliance on cars.

“Bridge sections are now being fabricated off-site and on-site construction will start with the bridge supports later this year.  The bridge spans are expected to be installed in late 2019.”

Construction will cause some disruption to motorists at various times due to temporary lane closures. High traffic volumes will require construction to be largely undertaken at night.

The contractor and Landcom will work closely with Transport for NSW, the Sydney Coordination Office, the Transport Management Centre, Roads and Maritime Services, City of Ryde, and Hills M2 motorway to ensure local businesses and the community are kept informed of the timing of these traffic changes and construction impacts.