Kangaroo Point Green Bridge construction end in sight

Construction for Brisbane’s new pedestrian bridge that council says will take nearly 85,000 cars off the road per year is on the home stretch. WATCH THE VIDEO

Construction for Brisbane’s new pedestrian bridge is on the home stretch, with the CBD to Kangaroo Point connection to be completed by the end of the year.

Concrete decking has been laid along the entire length of the bridge, marking an end to all major structural works for the half-a-kilometre-long bridge.

Now 90 per cent completed, work will shift to preparing the Kangaroo Point and CBD bridge entrances with more than 500 metres of balustrading, furniture, seating and solar panels along the bridge’s covered walkway to be installed.

With the bridge spanning 95 metres in height, the top of the Kangaroo Point Bridge will be 20 metres taller than the Story Bridge.

The project, led by BESIX Watpac, is expected to take 84,000 cars off the road every year and will see more than 6500 people using the bridge daily by 2036, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner claimed.

(From left) Senator for Queensland Anthony Chrisholm, BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Transport councillor Ryan Murphy pictured on the new Kangaroo Point Bridge. Picture: Josh Woning

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will help reduce travel times by up to 50 per cent, cutting the commute between Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and the CBD by up to 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for pedestrians travelling from Kangaroo Point and the Gabba Stadium to the CBD.

The Federal Government have contributed $63m to the $299m project which is expected to open in time for Christmas.

Cr Schrinner said the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge would reduce congestion on roads by “encouraging people to travel more sustainably”.

“This bridge is about keeping Brisbane moving. It’s about making sure people have a new way to get between the suburbs and the city. And that’s exactly what the bridge will do,” Cr Schrinner said.

“We recently opened the Breakfast Creek Bridge and it’s more than double the patronage that we expected. We’re looking forward to good strong use of this bridge and most importantly, taking cars off the road, reducing traffic congestion.”

Civic cabinet chair for transport Councillor Ryan Murphy said they are confident the bridge will be “extremely popular” as it will be the first time Brisbane’s eastern suburbs will have a direct link to the CBD.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner pictured on the new Kangaroo Point Bridge which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Picture: Josh Woning

“Not only is it a stunning architectural form, a single mast cable stayed suspension bridge, but it is an incredible transport asset for the city of Brisbane,” Cr Murphy said.

“This bridge will change the way that (people) interact with the CBD because they will have that direct safe connection without having to go around to the Goodwill Bridge or go all the way around over the Story Bridge so it will be a game changer for them.”

Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said providing a connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD has been “in the works for decades”.

“It’s also great to hear that over 50 apprentices were given the opportunity to kick start their career on this project, which just goes to show that backing infrastructure projects like this one doesn’t just improve our commutes to and from work, it also supports local employment opportunities,” Senator Chrisholm said.

“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.”

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is one of the first projects to be delivered under the landmark South East Queensland City Deal.

In February this year, the Breakfast Creek Green Bridge was officially opened to the public, bearing the dual name of Yowogerra, meaning “corroboree”.