Tag: green bridges

Iconic Mast Makes Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Brisbane’s Tallest Bridge

The final piece of the 95-metre tall mast that will be the centrepiece of the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge was finally installed, marking a major milestone in the bridge’s construction.

Read: See Stunning Time-Lapse Video as Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Construction Reaches New Heights

The installation of its iconic mast makes the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge the tallest bridge in Brisbane today.

The mast, which weighs 270 tonnes, was lifted into place by a large heavy lift luffing tower crane positioned on a platform in the middle of the Brisbane River. The crane, called the M2480D, was brought in specifically for this project by contractor Marr due to its ability to safely lift the fully assembled mast head.

Mast
Photo credit: besixwatpac.com

The bridge is being built by Connect Brisbane, a consortium led by BESIX Watpac. According to Rowan Riggall, Project Director for BESIX Watpac, extensive analysis went into selecting the right crane for the job, including comparing barge cranes and tower cranes. The M2480D was chosen as the only crane in Australia capable of completing the record-breaking lift.

Photo credit: besixwatpac.com

The installation of the mast is considered a major achievement for the project, which has faced challenges constructing such a tall structure in the middle of a busy waterway without impacting river traffic. 

Read: Brisbane Approves Plans for 15-Storey ‘River House’ in Kangaroo Point

About the Project

A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge will soon connect Kangaroo Point to Brisbane’s central business district. The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, scheduled to open in 2024, will provide a direct link between Kangaroo Point, the city’s eastern suburbs, and the CBD. 

The Brisbane City Council awarded the design and construction contract to Connect Brisbane, a consortium led by BESIX Watpac, in June 2021 after a thorough procurement process. Construction on the bridge also began later that year. Upon completion, the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will make walking and biking between these areas much easier and more convenient. 

Published 16-January-2024

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Construction Commences

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Work on the much-anticipated Kangaroo Point Green Bridge commenced in December 2021 and is now underway. 

Read: Lamb House Set to Return To Its Former Glory

Whilst a majority of construction works will occur from the Brisbane River, construction sites will also be established at C.T. White Park (off Hamilton Street) and Scott Street in Kangaroo Point and the corner of Alice and Edward streets, near the City Botanic Gardens in the CBD. 

The initial construction works will involve investigation works, relocation of park infrastructure and associated utilities, diversion of pedestrian and cycle paths, and removal of some vegetation.

Indicative Construction Areas for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

About Kangaroo Point Green Bridge

The $190-million green bridge will provide a convenient way for pedestrians and bikers to move between Kangaroo Point, the eastern suburbs, and the CBD. It is expected to become Brisbane’s latest, must-visit destination with viewing platforms, landing points, and multiple dining opportunities above the Brisbane River. 

Spanning 460 metres, one of the longest in the world, the green bridge is part of Council’s long-term plan of providing more riding options to help residents and visitors conveniently move around the city. 

Other green bridges in the pipeline include the green bridges linking Toowong to West End and St Lucia to West End, as well as a new crossing at Breakfast Creek.

Location of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is expected to accommodate more than 6,100 trips per day by 2036 and reduce car trips across the Brisbane River by as many as 84,000 per year. 

The project is also projected to generate 300 plus local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities of up to 50. 

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Features

Design and construction of the bridge is handled by Connect Brisbane – a consortium led by BESIX Watpac and includes Rizzani de Eccher, WSP, Dissing & Weitling, Blight Rayner, ASPECT Studios, Right Angle Studios and Rowland.

Read: More Green Spaces Planned For Mowbray Park

The key features of the Kangaroo Point Bridge include: a river crossing between the corner of Alice Street and Edward Street, and Scott Street; an elegant single-mast cable stay structure; dedicated cycle paths and pedestrian paths; and a navigable bridge with a clearance height of 12.7 metres.

There will also be viewing platforms and rest nodes with panoramic views of the river and the city, as well as high quality landing points. 

The green design features including solar panels, cooling vegetation and shade cover along the length of the bridge.

The target completion of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is late 2023.