Project background

Council is working with Transport for NSW to deliver sections of the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link to improve foreshore access and deliver new and upgraded walking and bike riding connections in our LGA.

The Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link will provide Sydney’s longest continuous route for people to walk and ride bikes along 91km of the Parramatta River foreshore between Parramatta Park (Dharug Country) and the Sydney Opera House/Royal Botanic Gardens (Gadi Country). The program brings the NSW Government and Councils together to provide active transport improvements to connect healthy, active and vibrant local centres.

As one of the most popular recreational foreshore routes we have in the City of Canada Bay, the Bay Run is enjoyed by an estimated 5,000 walkers, joggers and bike riders every day. Upgrading existing pedestrian crossings along this iconic circuit will provide a smoother and safer transition to other local walking, running and bike riding routes throughout the Inner West.

More information the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link and sections outside of the City of Canada Bay is available here.

The Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link is proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Council is proposing to upgrade three existing pedestrian refuges along the eastern side of the Bay Run to provide safer and more convenient transitions between the Bay Run and local walking and bike routes. Upgrading these crossings will also reduce wait times for people crossing Henley Marine Drive and Timbrell Drive.

The crossing upgrades include:

• Henley Marine Drive, near Millar Street: Upgrading the existing refuge island to provide a raised pedestrian crossing, improving pedestrian safety in this area of the Bay Run.
• Henley Marine Drive at Nield Park: Upgrading the existing refuge island to provide a raised pedestrian crossing. This crossing will be wider than a standard pedestrian crossing to support potential future opportunities for a shared crossing at this location (pending future planning and funding decisions).
• Timbrell Drive at Timbrell Park: Upgrading the existing refuge island to provide a raised pedestrian and bike crossing. This crossing will connect into the separated pedestrian and bike paths on the Bay Run to help both bike riders and pedestrians enter and exit the Bay Run safely.

What happens next?

Feedback during early consultation supported the shared path and the vision of a fully continuous route along the foreshore. Some concerns were raised about the impact the project will have on the environment and residents next to the reserve.

In response to this feedback, Council will now undertake the necessary environmental assessments and begin preparing the detailed design to finalise the alignment of the path. We will consider feedback and suggestions as we prepare the project design and keep local residents and the community informed of future opportunities to provide feedback.

Take a look at a summary of the feedback and suggestions we received in the community consultation report.