The multi-billion dollar Parramatta Light Rail has ticked off another major milestone, with the Bidgee Bidgee Bridge over James Ruse Drive now officially open.
As testing continues to ramp up ahead of tram services beginning later this year, an opening ceremony was recently held for the largest of six new bridges built for the project.
At 64-metres-long and 16-metres-wide, the Bidgee Bidgee Bridge connects to the Parramatta Light Rail’s 5.7km shared walking and bike-riding path between Carlingford and Parramatta.
It will also link commuters to the Rosehill Gardens and Tramway Avenue Light Rail stops on either end of the bridge.
State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis unveiled the plaque to commemorate the bridge’s opening.
“It is also the state’s second longest steel arch bridge, and one of six new bridges delivered as part of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1,” she said.
“I am really pleased that it also includes a shared pathway, a link that our city desperately needs.”
Following community consultation and close engagement with Dharug Aboriginal language specialists, the bridge was officially named in 2022 after local Aboriginal Elder Bidgee Bidgee, a leader of the Burramattagal clan of the Dharug people.
A tracker for Governor Macquarie and named Chief of the Kissing Point tribe for his work in building a peaceful community, Bidgee Bidgee brought different cultures together, helping to shape the area’s history.
The bridge intends to stand as a lasting tribute to Bidgee Bidgee’s legacy, as well as recognise the contributions of all First Nations people.
“He was the leader of what became known as the Kissing Point Tribe, River People who lived on the river flats, mangroves, swamps and creeks of the Parramatta River,” Davis added.
“Bidgee Bidgee stood in the gap between the old world and the new, much as this bridge does today.
“I’m proud of what this bridge stands for and for the hard work that the NSW Government is undertaking in bridging the old and the new through connectivity, modern links and sustainability.”
More than 200 workers were involved in building and moving the 1425-tone steel arch for the bridge, which was crane-lifted into place overnight in 2021.
It’s been created with Australian-made weathered steel, which intends to minimise future maintenance and reduce disruptions to light rail network operations.
Parramatta Light Rail Project Director Craig Paterson described Bidgee Bidgee Bridge as an “engineering feat” and praised those involved.
“The Bidgee Bidgee Bridge is actually the second longest steel arch bridge, behind the Harbour Bridge,” he said.
“It connects the Parramatta Light Rail’s 5.7km shared bike and walking path.
“Since the path opened it’s been fantastic to see locals and visitors alike getting out and about and really enjoying the sites of iconic Parramatta.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.