Smalls Creek Pedestrian Bridge opens to the community

A new pedestrian bridge over Smalls Creek has been completed in Kellyville, improving access for local residents and Kellyville High School students.  The bridge, which spans 26 metres in length over the Sydney Water creekline, links Hayes Avenue to Queensbury Avenue, and provides a safer means of travel for pedestrians.

“The completion of this new bridge is great news for the Kellyville community, especially Kellyville High School students,” Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said. “Safety concerns were raised over students using the creekline as an unofficial shortcut between home and school. The creekline is undeveloped and students were crossing a stream of running water and then climbing the steep banks to travel between Hayes and Queensbury Avenues. This was very concerning for Council, as well as the school. “The new bridge will significantly improve safety, and supports Council’s efforts to improve connectivity and walkability within The Hills Shire,” she said. Council contributed $140,000 to the construction of the new pedestrian bridge, with Transport NSW contributing a further $76,472 to the project. “I want to thank Transport for NSW for their contribution and Sydney Water for their input and support. This is a testament between Council and the strong working relationship we have with the NSW Government and its Departments,” Mayor Byrne added.  

Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams MP said the new Smalls Creek pedestrian bridge will be a vital asset to the local community. “The new bridge will provide a much safer route to school for local students, and we hope it will encourage more people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine or commute,” Mr Williams said.   “This project is part of a larger $710 million in investment being provided by the NSW Government over four years to support walking and cycling projects right across NSW,” he added. 

Sydney Water also worked with Council in delivering this community asset, whilst also protecting the adjacent environment. Sydney Water’s General Manager Customer Delivery, Bernie Sheridan, said: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of this bridge just in time for the easing of restrictions. This will provide much safer access for the community, and school children in particular.”“We have worked with Council on the design to ensure minimal impact to the vegetation of the creek, and are very pleased with the outcome,” Mr Sheridan added.