Brisbane City and Kangaroo Point are set to reconnect more smoothly along the river, with a rebuilt CBD Riverwalk section returning as a wider shared path that links into the increasingly busy area near the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
The upgraded section is expected to reopen in the first half of February 2026, after being closed since 2023 during construction at the Waterfront Brisbane site.
Developers say the reopened strip will restore the riverfront link between Charlotte Street and Alice Street and create a continuous path stretching from the Story Bridge through to the City Botanic Gardens, with Brisbane City involved in an official reopening event.
A pinch point beside the Kangaroo Point Bridge
The reopened Riverwalk section sits near the city-side access points for the Kangaroo Point Bridge, which can be accessed from Scott Street in Kangaroo Point and from the corner of Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD. With more people using the bridge approaches, the restored Riverwalk link is expected to provide walkers and riders with a clearer way to move along the waterfront without being forced into longer detours.
During the closure, some pedestrian and cycling groups publicly criticised the loss of a key public route, saying the blocked section made daily trips harder.
Developers say the strip has been rebuilt rather than patched. A new concrete path and steel railings, along with public-facing artwork, including a mural visible from the riverfront side.
Project material for Waterfront Brisbane states the Riverwalk is being widened from a narrow route to a minimum of six metres and up to 15 metres wide in places, designed as a shared zone for pedestrians and cyclists with improved access points between Eagle Street and the river.
Public space and dining plans along the river edge
The Riverwalk reopening is one part of a broader riverfront redesign at the former Eagle Street Pier precinct. The wider plan includes public open space, landscaping, and future outdoor dining set back from the walkway. Developers have also flagged end-of-trip facilities for cyclists, including secure storage and e-bike servicing, to support regular commuting.
Construction activity on the larger site is expected to continue behind hoardings, with the overall Waterfront Brisbane development targeting completion in late 2028.
The development next door and why it caused a long closure
Waterfront Brisbane is a multibillion-dollar redevelopment led by Dexus with builder John Holland, replacing the old Eagle Street Pier site with two office towers and a mix of shops, food venues and public space. John Holland has outlined its role in earlier stage works in a project announcement.
Dexus has previously attributed delays and cost pressures to adverse weather and the challenges of construction along the river, while stating that the Riverwalk reopening has been prioritised.
A wider shift toward safer walking and cycling routes
The Riverwalk update comes as other key routes have also been under pressure in recent years. The Story Bridge restoration works have included new footpath decking and accessibility upgrades, which Council says are part of a longer program to maintain the bridge.
For Kangaroo Point residents and CBD workers alike, the reopened Riverwalk section is expected to make everyday river crossings and waterfront trips easier, especially at the bridge approaches, where foot and cycle volumes are growing.
Published 29-Jan-2026
