The third Iron Cove Bridge in the Inner West

This case study demonstrates design principle three from the Beyond the Pavement urban design guide: Connecting modes and communities and promoting active transport.

The third Iron Cove Bridge in the Inner West

This project across the bay is much broader than a mere duplication of the second Iron Cove Bridge. Its primary purpose is one of public transport—to create dedicated space for buses in the busy Victoria Road corridor which was severely constrained by the old bridge. The scope of this project additionally includes integration of a wide shared pedestrian and bicycle path across the new bridge (1), the footpath in the old bridge having been noisy, narrow and unpleasant to use.

A ramp connection from the bridge down to the Drummoyne Pool and the north side of the Bay Run (2) and a new section of path through King Georges Park (3) provides a continuous inclusive connection with the Bay Run loop which is a regional as well as local attraction.

The project scope also incorporates new fig plantings and revitalisation of King George Park including a new playground (4), which was previously used as a construction compound for the project and a pontoon donated from the project works (5).

The Iron Cove Bridge duplication and Bay Run project successfully promotes active transport, allows better arterial bus movement through the corridor, improves water connections and links surrounding communities. The new modern bridge is curved away from the Pratt Truss Iron Cove Bridge (6) with its art deco elements to form a visual separation and visual contrast and to protect the historic old bridge. Its eight tapered piers are designed to align with the piers of the old bridge.

Views across the bay to the west are stunning for users. The new bridge was built in sections and then pushed out, or incrementally launched, from the Rozelle side of the bay. This complex engineering achievement required bridge slabs to be formed in precise curved sections and craned into place on the new bridge alignment.

The Bay Run path was realigned and improved, the playground in King Georges Park was used for the project construction site but rebuilt to modern standards. The pontoon used for the project was retained for boating access.

The Iron Cove bridge duplication with its 4.8m shared path completed an important link in the Bay Run, finishing a loop and triggering a large increase in popularity and the completion of other stretches of the walk. The effect has been more outdoor exercise, more people, café developments, recreation upgrades and the contribution to an iconic inner west asset.

The 4.5m wide shared path provides a fitting continuation of the Bay Run largely superseding the narrow walkway kept on the eastern side of the bridge. The railings are designed to allow views of the bay and a concrete edge to the path naturally provides a strip for walkers to stand and take in the view.