Shade structures on Brisbane's Victoria Bridge under council investigation

Investigations are under way for Victoria Bridge to have shade structures for pedestrians and cyclists braving the heat of the Brisbane sun.

Local Member for South Brisbane, Jackie Trad, said she had written to lord mayor Adrian Schrinner asking for information about the council's plans for shading over the popular bridge but was yet to hear back.

Victoria Bridge will be converted to a green bridge as part of the Brisbane Metro project.Credit: Harrison Saragossi

Ms Trad said she was concerned the bridge's conversion from a vehicle bridge to purely pedestrian, cycling and buses would be of limited use if it was too uncomfortably hot for people to use daily.

The Victoria Bridge will be converted to a 'green' bridge as part of the Brisbane City Council's $1.2 billion Brisbane Metro project.

"It’s critical that shading is provided for commuters, otherwise active connections to the Brisbane Metro will not be sufficient, which would discourage usage for some commuters," she said.

Public and active transport committee chairman Ryan Murphy said he welcomed Ms Trad's interest and the council had been investigating shade options as part of the Brisbane Metro project.

However he said the progress was delayed until the state government issued final approvals.

"Our consortia Brisbane Move are waiting to do structural assessments on Victoria Bridge, and they can’t start until they have their approvals in place," Cr Murphy said.

"These assessments are critical to ensuring the 50 year old bridge can withhold the weight of new shading structures.

"We are also looking at lightweight arbours and pergolas to give the green bridge a truly ‘green’ look and feel."

Former Labor councillor for The Gabba ward Helen Abrahams said the Victoria Bridge was one of the most popular connection points to the CBD but was also one of the "hottest and most uncomfortable routes to use".

The council released design plans for the proposed Kangaroo Point pedestrian and cycling bridge, which includes shade structures and seating areas for users, on Tuesday.

Queensland Walks chief executive Anna Campbell said the need for shading on the bridge was critical to ensure people leaving the Metro were protected.

"Walk across the bridge in the middle of summer, and you will understand the need," she said.

"Imagine council having to absorb the true cost of skin cancer cases or even the health risks associated with sedentary behaviour and suddenly the engineering cost of shading on Victoria Bridge is minimal.

"We have encouraged Brisbane City Council in the past, and during the Metro consultation to commit funding to weather protection or shading. We know that the Heart Foundation has also encouraged council to allocate funding at previous active transport advisory meetings with the now lord mayor."