It was named after Albert "Tibby" Cotter, an Australian Test cricket player killed in World War I.

The 440-metre-long (1,440 ft) bridge features concrete helical approach ramps and a superstructure formed using two curved steel box beams.

[4][5][6] Additional criticism was raised by the Heritage Council of New South Wales due to the relocation of a monument on Anzac Parade and cycling lobby groups as the walkway does not connect with existing cycleways.

[7] Since its opening, the design of the Albert Cotter bridge has been heavily criticised by pedestrians.

Because the helical approach forces pedestrians to walk 440 metres to travel about 200 metres, it has also been called "the worst", and "a dumb bridge because it goes around in a big circle".