Construction on the bridge started early-November 2025 and is expected to be complete by July 2026, weather permitting.

Works to install a raised shared-user crossing on Aitken Avenue near the intersection with Pittwater Road will commence from July 2026 (weather permitting).

Works will typically take place Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm.

To minimise impacts of these works, and to construct the new pedestrian and cycle bridge, some night works will be required. Before this happens, nearby residents will receive advance notice from the contractor.

A site compound will be established adjacent to Hinkler Park to aid construction works for the duration of the project.

Access to Aitken Reserve (and playground) and Hinkler Park will be maintained during this period, and any temporary closures will be notified in advance.

Consistent with the environmental assessment (page 27 & 49 of the Review of Environmental Factors) and concept plans - the terrestrial biodiversity and vegetation overlays (Manly LEP 2013) show poor conditioned Casuarina trees that will need to be removed to make room for the bridge installation. Trees will be removed early November as part of the site establishment works. Council will plant a number of appropriate replacement species in consultation with Manly Lagoon Friends at the conclusion of the works.

You may experience some construction noise and traffic disruptions during construction. We appreciate your patience as we deliver this important community upgrade.

It is anticipated that there will be no long term impacts on parking for the duration of the works.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared to assess potential environmental impacts and outline mitigation measures. We engaged a local ecologist to provide advice and input to the report regarding ecological impacts on the site. The REF outlines how we’ll manage potential environmental impacts during the upgrade.

The REF was prepared in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), by independent consultants.

The assessment looked at impacts of the works including influence on any physical and chemical, biological, community, natural resource, cultural heritage and matters of national environmental significance. The REF concludes that the works would not result in significant environmental impacts using the proposed mitigation measures.