By ANNA USHER

Even though the new Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp is officially open, finishing touches are this week underway to the landmark project, with more work scheduled across the site.

The long-awaited ramp opened to the public on January 6, finally giving cyclists an accessible alternative to the notorious 55 stairs at Milsons Point and creating a smoother ride on and off the bridge.

While riders are already using the new link, Transport for NSW says crews will remain on site through March to complete final works around the precinct.

Day works include minor paving, removal of the temporary site compound, packing up equipment and dismantling sheds, reinstating the synthetic green grass in Bradfield Park Central, and installing and testing lighting beneath the ramp.

Finishing works will also include landscaping, line-marking, furniture installation and a general clean-up of the area.

Night works are also planned this month.

Crews will asphalt sections of Lavender and Middlemiss streets, test lighting beneath the ramp, install permanent line marking along nearby roads and the new cycleway, carry out landscaping, connect a watermain at Alfred Street South and Middlemiss Street, and complete paving near the Alfred Street South roundabout.

Transport for NSW says work is scheduled for Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 March, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March, and Tuesday 24 March.
On 10 and 11 March, crews will also test the new Sydney Water connection, with any noisy work to be completed before 10pm.

Testing involving running water is expected to continue through the night and wrap up by 5am.

The project has been billed as a major improvement for riders, removing one of the biggest barriers on the city’s main cross-harbour cycle route and making the bridge more accessible for a wider range of users.