By ANNA USHER

Local pedestrians and cyclists can now enjoy a brand-new crossing over the Warringah Freeway, with the opening of the Falcon St shared user bridge – a key milestone in the multi-billion-dollar upgrade.

The 187-metre overpass connects Falcon St in North Sydney to Merlin St in Neutral Bay. It replaces the previous bridge with a wider, safer and more accessible link featuring integrated lighting, privacy screens and Indigenous artwork.

Designed to handle more than 800 daily users, the bridge now includes:

• A 4.8m wide deck to ease congestion between pedestrians and cyclists.
• Privacy screens along the western edge to protect neighbouring residents.
• Architectural screens and a “rain-inspired” Indigenous artwork, telling the traditional story of five eels, the stars and constellations.

Construction has been fast-tracked since the old bridge was closed in April 2025, with the western connection demolished, concrete poured, and lighting, handrails and screening now fully installed. The remaining sections of the old crossing will be removed later this year.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that this is the latest milestone on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, which is seeing real progress happening from week to week.

“The new bridge will be wider and safer for the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians expected to use it each day, with better sight lines and a wider deck. It helps to get Sydneysiders moving and active while giving them a safe passage across the freeway,” Aitchison said.

“It’s exciting to see elements of this critical infrastructure project open up as we motor towards Sydney’s future, and to see cyclists and pedestrians making use of this wonderful new asset.”

Labor MLC for Willoughby, Courtney Houssos, told Mosman Collective the bridge is a “fantastic new addition” to the lower north shore.

“It makes it easier for locals to walk or cycle between Cammeray, Neutral Bay and North Sydney,” she said.

The bridge is now open 24/7, offering a new route across one of Sydney’s busiest corridors.

For more information, visit the Warringah Freeway Upgrade website.