Work starts on pedestrian Bridge that will ‘define’ Brisbane’s skyline

Move over Story Bridge: Giant steel piles will soon start floating up the Brisbane River as work begins on the latest of four “green’’ bridges. It could even be part of the Olympics marathon or torch relay route. SEE THE VIDEO

Work has started on a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the CBD to Kangaroo Point which will “define Brisbane’’ ahead of the 2032 Olympics, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says.

Cr Schrinner said it could be named in honour of the Games, but stopped short of suggestions the Olympic cauldron could be housed atop it.

However this morning (February 23) he said he would be happy to investigate whether the bridge could be showcased by including it in the marathon or torch relay route.

Sydney Harbour and its world-famous bridge were similarly promoted in the 2000 Olympics opening ceremony and marathon routes.

“The relay route (or marathon route) are things I would be happy to look into,’’ Cr Schrinner said.

A roundabout at the corner of Edward and Alice streets has already been demolished and street furniture removed to allow heavy machinery and trucks into the site.

Generations of international yachties who tied up at the City Botanic Gardens had to find new moorings after a 100m stretch of the riverbank was earlier closed off.

River-based construction activities have also begun.

When work was finished late next year pedestrians could walk from the CBD to the Story Bridge hotel, or cycle from Kangaroo Point into the city.

“Residents will notice barges in the river in front of the City Botanic Gardens undertaking piling and drilling for the new bridge foundations,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Cr Schrinner said a marine logistics yard had been set up at the Port of Brisbane, where materials and equipment such as steel pile liners would be delivered so they could be transported along the river.

The spectacular 460m-long bridge will include a restaurant and viewing platforms, which Cr Schrinner hoped would become synonymous with Brisbane.

“When people around the world start considering coming to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I am sure one of the drawcards will be images of this spectacular pedestrian bridge,” he said.

“Not only will pictures of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge help convince people to venture to our corner of the world, it will also be a critical piece of infrastructure during the games, helping spectators get to the Gabba Stadium.

“For Brisbane residents, this bridge will deliver a link that people have talked about for years while improving connectivity and being a destination in its own right.”

About 6000 pedestrian, cycling and e-mobility trips were forecast on the bridge each day by 2036.

Since December last year, the Connect Brisbane team led by BESIX Watpac, which last year won the contract to design and construct the bridge, have been setting up the construction site on the CBD side of the project.

Work on the Breakfast Creek green bridge is expected to begin mid-year, while community consultation for the West End green bridges to Toowong and St Lucia is continuing.