Collaboration and the ASSDA Young Professionals Network drive a premium outcome
Sydney's Alfred Street Pedestrian Bridge is a striking landmark for Parramatta, providing residents with a safe all-abilities active transport link between the northern suburbs and the Parramatta CBD. The $19 million project, co-funded by the City of Parramatta and the NSW Government, forms a key element of the Parramatta River revitalisation program.
Bridges are the lifeblood of communities, designed to connect people, reduce transport costs and emissions, and encourage a healthier lifestyle. For the Alfred Street Bridge, design principles focused on accessibility, safety, elegance, and longevity. The final result is 'Alfie' - Australia's first diagonal arch pedestrian bridge - an architecturally elegant, technically complex structure that is both practical and sustainable.
From mild steel to stainless steel
When ASSDA Member and Accredited Fabricator Arcus Wire Group (AWG) was engaged by Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure to deliver Full Locked Coil (FLC) structural steel cables for the suspended walkway, the original design called for a mix of mild steel and stainless components. Grade 350 stanchions and grade 350 CHS frames were specified alongside grade 316 stainless steel handrails and mesh in-fill panels.
Following the initial pricing tender, AWG was invited to propose an alternative, more premium solution. Working with fellow ASSDA Member Bespoke Wire & Rope, and drawing on industry expertise, AWG saw an opportunity: convert the balustrade into an entirely stainless steel solution.
The shift addressed concerns around durability, maintenance, and life-cycle costs. Costs and the reflective appearance of stainless steel was questioned, but AWG’s proposal clearly demonstrated the long-term benefits of using grade 316 stainless steel: superior corrosion resistance in a marine environment, reduced maintenance, improved safety, and a consistent premium appearance. Importantly, a fully stainless assembly also avoided dissimilar metal contamination issues, allowing faster installation and greater structural integrity.
Collaboration across the stainless steel industry
AWG’s proposal drew on the knowledge and expertise of multiple ASSDA Members. Early in the design phase, Austral Wright Metals offered valuable input on stainless availability and fabrication options for the stanchions, helping set the foundation for the final solution.
From there, a strong collaboration across the stainless supply chain brought the vision to life. Stirlings Performance Steels supplied the stainless materials for the stanchions, which were precision cut by Unique Metals Laser and fabricated and installed by First Line Engineering. Bespoke Wire & Rope not only provided specialist design input but also installed the Flexi-Mesh architectural mesh and wire rope framing cables, while AWG supplied the Flexi-Mesh panels and hamma ® X wire rope.
The final specification delivered:
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262 grade 316 stainless steel stanchions with a 600 grit finish
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468m of DN40 handrail and 445m of DN50 bike rail with a 400 grit finish
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Over 430m2 of Flexi-Mesh panels, more than 1km of hamma ® X wire rope, and 700 bespoke fittings
In total, more than 14 tonnes of stainless steel was used in the balustrade system alone.
The role of the ASSDA Young Professionals Network
The standout aspect of this project was the involvement of ASSDA’s Young Professionals Network. AWG worked closely with emerging stainless specialists across the ASSDA membership to develop a conforming design proposal, giving them valuable exposure to a high profile government-funded project. Their contributions demonstrated technical expertise and commercial acumen, helping shift material choice from mild steel to stainless steel.
This experience not only showcased the talent pipeline within the industry but also highlighted the value of ASSDA’s network in facilitating collaboration and innovation. By engaging Young Professionals alongside experienced Members, the project became a platform for knowledge transfer, professional development, and industry visibility.
A premium, sustainable outcome
The Alfred Street Bridge required complex engineering: an 80m main span supported by an 82-tonne diagonal arch rising 30m above the river, installed using a 750-tonne crane. Yet alongside its technical achievements, the use of stainless steel ensures the bridge is also a model of sustainability and durability.
Grade 316 stainless steel was chosen for Parramatta’s riverine environment for its superior corrosion resistance, ensuring the long-term safety of bridge users. Its durability and low maintenance needs can extend the bridge’s service life, reduce resource consumption, and minimise environmental impact. Using stainless steel also limits disruptions from maintenance or replacement – an important factor for heavily used infrastructure. At the end of its lifespan, the material is fully recyclable, with current recycling efficiency reaching 95%.
AWG’s conversion of the design from mild steel to stainless was central to achieving an outcome that balances aesthetics, constructability, maintenance, lifecycle costs, sustainability and resilience – values integral to Parramatta Council’s design objectives.
A showcase of Australian capability
The Alfred Street Pedestrian Bridge is an excellent showcase of the world-class capability within Australia’s stainless steel industry, delivered through collaboration across ASSDA’s membership. It also demonstrates the power of the ASSDA Young Professionals Network in influencing the design, delivering solutions, and shaping the future of stainless steel in Australia.
From concept to completion, the project reflects innovation, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure – qualities that will ensure stainless steel continues to play a defining role in Australia’s built environment.
Photos courtesy of Arcus Wire Group.
This articles was featured in Australian Stainless Magazine 83.