Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade to see delays of up to one year

The $650 million Kingsford Smith Drive project will be delayed by up to one year after what was described as a "retaining wall" was found in the Brisbane River.

The road project was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2019, but on Thursday while lord mayor Graham Quirk was announcing the nearing completion of the 1.2 kilometre riverwalk, it was revealed the road would be delayed by between six months to a year.

The joint Brisbane City Council and federal government project aims to increase the capacity of Kingsford Smith Drive, reduce traffic congestion and improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Lord mayor Graham Quirk and councillor Amanda Cooper at Kingsford Smith Drive.Credit: Jocelyn Garcia, Fairfax Media

Cr Quirk said geotechnical work by a contractor had revealed a section of the project was causing a problem for council.

"There is a section between Toorak Road and Grays Road which has been an issue for us," he said.

"The river conditions are very varied and as a result of that, there is going to be a need for ground anchors to be placed around 50 metres into the bedrock to ensure the long-term structural soundness of that, if you like retaining wall in the river.

"So this has meant that the section in the middle of the project will be delayed."

Cr Quirk said the council was working towards dealing with the issue, but the delay meant the main section bin the Grays Road area would be delayed.

"Really we’re talking about the section from around Racecourse Road to Breakfast Creek will not open until the second half of 2020," he said.

"We had hoped that section would be open by the end of 2019 but because of the conditions in the river and stability of the bank there, we have to do this ground anchor work and that will mean that delay."

However, the eastern section of Kingsford Smith Drive from Harbour Road to Eagle Farm would be completed and all six lanes would be open to traffic around the middle of next year.

Cameron Rocks Reserve would also be completed mid-next year and the urban plaza at Bretts Wharf was expected to open around the end of next year.

Cr Quirk apologised for the delays caused to traders and residents but could deliver the news of the riverwalk set to open before Christmas for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the riverside path.

The Kingsford Smith Drive riverwalk will be 1.2 kilometres long, with a two metre wide pedestrian footpath and a three metre wide two-way cycle path as well as five shaded rest spots.

Councillor Amanda Cooper said council was delighted residents could strong along the riverwalk facility this Christmas.

“They will certainly be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the CBD, Mt Coot-tha, our spectacular river and will also be able to stop at one of these five rest nodes, have a drink of water, sit, and look at the world go by," she said.