Residents given new glimpse of Brisbane’s next river crossing

Brisbane residents have been given a fresh glimpse of the council’s next major river crossing project, creating another major link in the CBD.

BRISBANE residents will today be given a fresh glimpse of the council’s next major river crossing project, as it forges ahead with plans to build a green bridge linking Kangaroo Point to the CBD.

The preliminary business case for the bridge will today be unveiled, revealing that more than 5000 people are expected to use the pedestrian and cycle bridge every weekday when completed in 2024.

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The price tag for the bridge has also been revealed for the first time, with taxpayers expected to fork out an estimated $190 million.

While two-thirds of this would be funded by Brisbane ratepayers, the council will be seeking the rest from the State and Federal governments.

An artists’ impression of the new Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge, which will now be subject to community consultation. Picture: Supplied.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it was estimated the new bridge would mean 84,000 fewer vehicles using the city’s river crossings every year.

“The preliminary business case for the Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge confirms the project is a feasible, value-for-money investment in our transport network,” he said.

“This is the first of five New Cross-river bridges that will make Brisbane better connected and easier to get around.

“These bridges will not only tackle traffic congestion, but are part of my vision for a cleaner, greener and more active Brisbane.”

The preliminary business case shows that the preferred bridge alignment would be between Scott St at Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the corner of Alice and Edward Streets in the CBD.

Preferred alignment of the Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge, linking the Botanic Gardens to Scott St at Kangaroo Point. Picture: Supplied

An alternative alignment could see the bridge take off from Thornton St at Kangaroo Point instead.

Cr Schrinner said the council was pleased with the State Government assistance in developing the case study for the Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge, and hoped they would continue to offer help as they progressed their plans for four further bridges.

Designs released today as part of the business case will now be subject to community consultation, which will open in November.

Another round of community consultation is expected in mid-2020, with construction set to kick off in 2021 — subject to funding and approvals.