Jaw-dropping design for 480m Boggo Road Cross River Rail bridge unveiled

An impressive pedestrian and cycle bridge half a kilometre long will form the centrepiece of the Cross River Rail Boggo Road station. And the public is being asked to choose a name for it. SEE THE IMAGES

Designs have been released for a 480m-long pedestrian and cycle bridge that will connect the new underground Cross River Rail Boggo Rd station with the nearby busway and Park Road train station.

The public will also be given the chance to suggest a name for the impressive structure — although Bridgey McBridgeface is unlikely to get up.

The western entry will be via a grade-separated path off Peter Doherty St, with the bridge crossing over the rail line and linking into the existing bikeway near the Princess Alexandra Hospital Busway station.

When finished it will connect to the Boggo Road health, science and education precinct and the new PA Hospital precinct.

Concept design of how the bridge could look once completed.

It will also link to the new high school at Dutton Park, which will generate huge foot traffic when it reaches its final capacity of more than 1000 students.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the bridge would be a “unifier’’ for the local community.

“It will make active travel safer, quicker and easier for local workers, residents and students,” Mr Bailey said.

“Linking our public transport system with the hospital, new high school and the new science and education precinct will make it easier for many locals to get to work and access essential services.”

One of the approaches to the bridge.

“It will provide faster and more convenient walking and cycling connections, forms an extension of the local cycle network and improved connectivity to the PA Hospital bus station and the new underground Boggo Road rail station.

“Crossing over both freight and passenger train lines, the bridge will be a feat of engineering and a standout signature element for an area that currently divides the community.”

Local state MP, Joe Kelly, said the structure included lifts on both sides, dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths, seating, shade and rest stops and accessible for people with movement difficulties.

Up to 22,000 people could be using the bridge and surrounding areas in the next decade.

“The bridge will vastly improve the active transport connectivity for Southside Rd between the UQ campus via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and the V1 Veloway and Stones Corner,” Mr Kelly said.

“It is also yet to be named, which provides us with an opportunity for the public to contribute ideas.

“We’re calling on the local community to give us their suggestions – the bridge could be named after somebody local, who has a track record of service and creating community connections, even someone linked to health, science and education or take a name that honours local First Nations culture.

“If you have a great suggestion, jump on the Cross River Rail website to complete the form.”

The bridge will provide an easy connection over the rail line.

BRIDGE FACTS

– 480m long, 45m high

– The main deck level will be 20m above ground and up to 6.25m wide

– 1600 tonnes of steel will be used

– Includes 1.2km of hand rail, 16km of welds, 43m pylons, 683m of cable stay, five steel girders weighing up to 133 tonnes

Mr Bailey said the new bridge was another example of how Cross River Rail would transform travel across South East Queensland.

The bridge is part of Cross River Rail works at Boggo Road, along with one of the project’s four new underground stations.

Boggo Road is forecast to become southeast Queensland’s second busiest transport interchange, with more than 22,000 commuters using the new station each weekday by 2036.

Construction will begin in March, weather permitting, and is expected to take about 18 months to complete.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said delivering public infrastructure was an important part of the state’s Economic Recovery Plan and the new bridge would generate many local jobs.