Kangaroo Point green bridge to be fast-tracked

One of Brisbane CBD’s planned green bridges will be fast-tracked two years as part of council’s plan to bring forward critical investment and drive jobs following the coronavirus pandemic.

KANGAROO Point green bridge will be fast-tracked two years as part of council’s plan to bring forward critical investment and drive jobs following the coronavirus pandemic.

Construction on the Breakfast Creek green bridge will also be brought forward, with both expected to create close to 500 jobs and hundreds of supplier opportunities.

Lack of community support may stop Bellbowrie green bridge

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has unveiled the draft design of the Kangaroo Point green bridge, which features a single mast and open views to the Kangaroo Point cliffs and the Story Bridge.

“We are forging ahead with this green bridge to get people into work and suppliers tills ticking over; and when it’s complete we will also have an impressive and iconic piece of infrastructure in place for Brisbane residents,” he said.

The council is planning to build several new green bridges.

“There has been a surge in cyclist and pedestrian activity on our green bridges and bikeways across Brisbane since the coronavirus crisis began.

“People moved away from public transport and even as restrictions eased a lot of residents have made a lifestyle change and demand for active transport options like green bridges is only going to increase.”

The Kangaroo Point green bridge will cater for 5400 trips each day, which is expected to increase to more than 6100 trips by 2036.

It is expected to reduce cars crossing the river by 83,690 every year.

Work on the $190 million Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek green bridges is scheduled start next year and be finished in 2023 – two years ahead of the initial 2025 date.

These form part of Council’s $550 million commitment to building new green bridges in Brisbane.

Cr Schrinner also confirmed the State Government had reconsidered their proposed luxury superyacht mooring upstream of the Kangaroo Point green bridge, which would have jeopardised its construction.

“While we are all in support of tourist opportunities, even niche markets like superyachts, we did not want private luxury vessels prioritised over the liveability and accessibility a green bridge would deliver for Brisbane residents and visitors,” he said.

“Following discussions with Minister Kate Jones, I am pleased she has agreed to look at an alternate superyacht mooring location that will have no impact on the delivery of the Kangaroo Point green bridge.”