Brisbane’s Newest Bridge Reaches Final Construction Milestone

5 Min Read

The highly anticipated Kangaroo Point Bridge has made a significant leap forward with the successful installation of its final span. This crucial development brings the project, a joint effort between Brisbane City Council and the Federal Government, to 85% completion.

The bridge’s major structural components are now complete, including the essential stay cables that support the 182.7-meter main span. The final 25-meter, 100-tonne span was meticulously craned into place from a barge and secured this week. Once finished, this span will feature public viewing platforms on either side, offering 360-degree cityscape views.

Kangaroo Point Bridge - view from Scott St
Kangaroo Point Bridge – view from Scott St

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed his excitement over the project’s progress, stating, “A bridge linking Kangaroo Point to Brisbane’s city has been talked about for decades, and our Council is delivering it.

The bridge will take 84,000 cars off the road each year with thousands of people expected to use it per day. Travel times are anticipated to be reduced by up to 50 per cent, saving pedestrians up to 30 minutes when walking from both Kangaroo Point and The Gabba Stadium to the city.”

The project, delivered by Connect Brisbane—a consortium led by BESIX Watpac—has created over 1,400 jobs since construction began. Work is ongoing, including concreting the bridge deck, installing balustrades, seating, lighting, and a covered pedestrian walkway with solar panels to power the bridge.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King remarked on the milestone, “I’m sure many Brisbane residents and tourists have been watching the construction of this bridge with anticipation, and this final bridge span going in is an exciting milestone. Once open, the bridge span will feature viewing platforms on either side, providing extraordinary 360-degree cityscape views.”

Additionally, works are progressing at the Kangaroo Point landing, where a lift from C.T. White Park to the bridge deck is being installed, along with stairs to Scott Street.

The above-water restaurant is taking shape with the steel framework in place and the roof nearing completion. On the CBD side, construction continues on the riverside café and landing plaza, which will form the approach to the bridge.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm emphasised the project’s long-term vision, “Plans to connect Kangaroo Point with the CBD have been in the works for decades, and with around 6,000 pedestrians and cyclists expected to use this new crossing daily, it’s great to see this project a step closer to final completion.

Kangaroo Point Bridge – final module lift

The South-East Queensland City Deal has made the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge possible, and as we head toward the Olympics, partnerships between all levels of government are going to be crucial in delivering the infrastructure Brisbane needs.”

Ryan Murphy, Brisbane City Council Chair for Transport, added, “The Kangaroo Point Bridge will be so much more than just a bridge. Its incredible design in the heart of the city and fantastic dining options will make the Bridge an iconic must-see destination, connecting our CBD with the suburbs and making our lifestyle even better. After delivering the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge earlier this year, we look forward to seeing our city’s walkability improve as we offer more ways to see Brisbane by foot, bike or scooter.”

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is set to open in late 2024, marking a new era of connectivity and lifestyle enhancements for Brisbane. For more information on the Bridges for Brisbane program, residents are encouraged to contact Council on 3403 8888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.

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