Kangaroo Point Bridge Archives - Kangaroo Point News

Kangaroo Point Bridge Opens Without Riverside Path to Mowbray Park

The Kangaroo Point Bridge will connect Brisbane’s CBD to Kangaroo Point for pedestrians and cyclists but has no direct riverside path to Mowbray Park, forcing users onto alternative routes.

A Missed Opportunity for Riverside Connectivity

The bridge that many have been eagerly awaiting, set to open on 15 December, was designed to improve active transportation in the inner-east, while still leaving a gap in connectivity towards the east. Cyclists and walkers seeking a seamless route from Kangaroo Point to Mowbray Park must navigate Shafston Avenue’s narrow footpaths or detour through Kangaroo Point’s side streets to reach established trails.

A once-promised Riverwalk connecting the two points was cancelled in mid-2023 due to spiralling costs, leaving community members frustrated with the lack of a complete network.

Kangaroo Point Bridge — *Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook*

The Cost of Shelving the Riverwalk

Originally estimated at $22.5 million, the Riverwalk project faced budget blowouts that pushed the price tag to $93 million. Challenges included land acquisition, environmental constraints, and the need for complex construction along the Brisbane River.

Council confirmed it has no plans to revive the Riverwalk, citing the prohibitive costs and the logistical hurdles posed by private pontoons and residential developments along the riverbank.

The scrapped Riverwalk plan would have required the Dockside ferry terminal to be demolished and rebuilt, with much of the walkway built on piles or micropiles over the river. Despite strong community support during consultation, local authorities shifted focus to a more cost-effective alternative.

Shafston Avenue Bikeway: The Chosen Alternative

Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have committed to a joint project: a $35-million bikeway along Shafston Avenue. This route will connect the new bridge’s Deakin Road landing to the Lytton Road bikeway, bypassing the need for a costly riverside path. Council transport officials argued this solution would deliver faster and more direct benefits for residents and cyclists in East Brisbane.

The Shafston Avenue bikeway is expected to be completed by 2027–28. However, some locals worry that the alternative plan means the Riverwalk may never be revisited.

Previous studies showed strong public preference for a riverside route, with over 600 submissions to the council’s active transport study between 2021 and 2022 supporting the Riverwalk project.

Published 10-Dec-2024

Kangaroo Point Bridge Opening to Boost Brisbane Connectivity

The new Kangaroo Point Bridge, a major infrastructure project aiming to boost local connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, will officially open with a community celebration.

Community Celebration with Local Involvement

To mark the occasion, residents are invited to join a public event on Sunday, 15 December 2024, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., offering a chance to be among the first to walk, cycle, or scooter across the bridge.

The opening festivities will include a Welcome to Country ceremony, live music, and performances suitable for all ages, reinforcing the bridge’s focus on community spirit.

Organisers encourage attendees to use active and public transport to access the event, and Translink provides journey planning assistance to ensure a smooth experience. Additionally, several local businesses will offer exclusive discounts and deals for those joining the celebration.

Innovative Construction and Sustainability

The Kangaroo Point Bridge has earned an “excellent” rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, recognising its environmentally friendly approach and innovative techniques.

This rating, a first for any Brisbane City Council project, highlights the bridge’s use of renewable energy, local supplier engagement, and advanced construction methods. The bridge features 75 solar panels to promote sustainable energy use, which will power its lighting and lifts. The project has also introduced unique technology, including drones for water sampling and infrared cameras to monitor river levels, helping safeguard against flood risks during heavy rain.

A river-based tower crane, a first in Queensland, was employed to allow above-water construction, reducing the impact on the Brisbane River and nearby communities.

Part of a Broader Vision for Brisbane’s Future

The Kangaroo Point Bridge forms part of Brisbane’s Bridges for Brisbane program. It is supported through the South East Queensland City Deal, a collaborative infrastructure initiative between the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council.

Officials view the bridge as essential in accommodating Brisbane’s growing population and encouraging active, sustainable transportation. The project is anticipated to divert around 84,000 cars from Brisbane roads each year, reducing congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle for residents.

Published 15-Nov-2024

From Vision to Reality: Kangaroo Point Bridge Nears Grand Opening

The countdown has begun for the grand opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge. This eagerly anticipated addition to the city’s infrastructure and skyline is set to transform the way residents and visitors experience the river city.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

Scheduled for 15 December 2024, weather permitting, the project has already achieved several significant milestones. All 32 tensioned cables along the bridge deck have been installed, the eight bridge spans now connect the CBD to Kangaroo Point, and concrete pours for the bridge deck are complete.

About the Kangaroo Point Bridge

Stretching approximately 460 metres, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will connect Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD to Scott Street at Kangaroo Point. The bridge’s elegant single-mast cable stay structure is designed to complement the city skyline while minimising visual impact.

Accessibility and user experience are at the forefront of the design. The bridge features dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths, 6.8 metres wide, with a gentle 1:20 grade. It maintains a navigable clearance height of 12.7 metres, matching the Captain Cook Bridge, and provides a 60-metre wide navigation channel. Visitors and commuters alike will enjoy viewing platforms and rest nodes offering panoramic city and river views.

Dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The Kangaroo Point Bridge project goes beyond transportation, aiming to create a destination in itself. Two unique dining venues, operated by the Tassis Group, will offer unparalleled experiences: an above-water restaurant and bar on the bridge itself, and a riverside café at the city landing. These venues promise to make the bridge an iconic destination for Brisbane residents and visitors for generations to come.

Sustainability has been integrated into the design, with features including solar panels, cooling vegetation, and shade cover along the length of the bridge. The project also focuses on community connections, with high-quality landing points designed to activate communities on both sides of the Brisbane River.

Final Touches Underway

While the main structure is in place, work continues to ensure everything is perfect for the December opening. The focus has now shifted to completing the bridge landing areas and the testing and commissioning phase of the project.

Over the coming months, the CBD landing area will be completed, with paving and landscaping works currently underway. Following this, work will continue on the above-water restaurant and riverside café.

At Kangaroo Point, landscaping activities are being completed along with the plaza area in CT White Park and the bridge landing in Scott Street. These final touches will transform the areas around the bridge into vibrant public spaces.

Read: Key Construction Milestone Achieved: Kangaroo Point Bridge Nears Completion with Final Span Installation

This new landmark promises not just to connect two sides of the river, but to become a destination in its own right, offering new perspectives on the city and new ways for residents and visitors to engage with Brisbane’s beautiful riverside.

Published 2-October-2024

Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/ Facebook

The highly anticipated Kangaroo Point Bridge has reached a significant milestone. The final piece of concrete decking has been laid, bringing the project to 90% completion.

Monumental Project, Local Impact

This considerable achievement paves the way for pedestrians to traverse Brisbane’s newest bridge soon, soaring 13 metres above the Brisbane River. The project has already substantially impacted the local community, with over 646,000 hours of labour invested, generating 1,400 jobs and providing valuable training for over 50 apprentices.

Key structural elements of the bridge are now complete, following the installation of the final connecting span and viewing platform in early June and the subsequent pouring of the concrete deck. Removing temporary structures, including the world’s strongest tower crane used to erect the bridge’s 95-metre mast and cable stay system, marks a significant step towards finalisation.

Final Touches and Enhanced Access in Kangaroo Point Bridge

Work will now focus on preparing the bridge entrances in Kangaroo Point and the CBD. Over 500 metres of balustrading, furniture, seating, and solar panels will be installed along the covered walkway. New signalised pedestrian crossings have been completed at the CBD landing, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the bridge.

In addition, a new Story Bridge underpass has recently opened, connecting the Kangaroo Point Bridge to Brisbane’s eastern suburbs.

City Deal Success and Future Benefits of the Bridge

The completion of the Kangaroo Point Bridge follows the successful opening of the Breakfast Creek/Yowoggera Bridge in February this year. The bridge accommodates over 700 daily bike trips and 2,400 pedestrian and e-mobility journeys.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is expected to significantly enhance travel times, reducing commutes between Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and the CBD by up to 15 minutes for vehicles and up to 30 minutes for pedestrians travelling from Kangaroo Point and the Gabba.

This $299 million project, a joint venture between the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council, is one of the first to be delivered under the landmark South East Queensland City Deal.

Ministerial and Council Endorsement

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King highlighted the Australian Government’s commitment to collaborating with state and local governments to deliver impactful projects that benefit the communities of South East Queensland.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm emphasised the long-awaited nature of the connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD, acknowledging the positive impact on local employment and the importance of partnerships between all levels of government in delivering essential infrastructure.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hailed the Kangaroo Point Bridge as a future landmark and a crucial element in keeping Brisbane moving, reducing traffic congestion, and providing alternative transportation options.

Brisbane City Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy celebrated the project’s historical significance, fulfilling a long-held aspiration for a bridge linking Kangaroo Point to the CBD. He emphasised the bridge’s contribution to active transport infrastructure, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transportation options.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is expected to open to the public in late 2024.

Published Date 29-July-2024

Key Construction Milestone Achieved: Kangaroo Point Bridge Nears Completion with Final Span Installation

The last 25-metre span weighing 100 tonnes has been securely installed, bringing Brisbane’s new Kangaroo Point Bridge to 85 per cent completion.

Construction crews achieved a major feat by positioning the final span using a crane from a nearby barge. This final installation marks a pivotal moment in the bridge’s construction, which spans a total length of 182.7 metres. The bridge is set to feature unique viewing platforms offering panoramic 360-degree views of the cityscape.

Brisbane City Council and the federal government jointly fund this project, which has entered its final stages. With the structural framework nearing completion, attention is turning to the remaining tasks including concreting the deck and installing balustrades, seating, and lighting.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted the bridge’s anticipated impact, stating that it could divert 84,000 cars from roads annually, potentially halving pedestrian travel times between Kangaroo Point, The Gabba Stadium, and the CBD. The project has generated over 1,400 construction jobs and once completed, it will be the second major pedestrian and cycle bridge opened in Brisbane this year.

Significant developments adjacent to the bridge include the installation of lifts and stairs at the Kangaroo Point landing and the nearing completion of an above-water restaurant. On the CBD side, efforts are underway to establish a riverside café and a welcoming plaza.

Future Attractions and Dining Destinations

Upon its completion, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will serve as a crucial link between the CBD and Kangaroo Point and a vibrant hub of activity and leisure. The bridge’s design includes two exclusive dining venues offering unique experiences and stunning views of Brisbane’s riverscape.

Stilts Dining – An Elevated Experience: Positioned above the water, Stilts Dining pays tribute to Queensland’s architectural heritage by resembling a Queenslander home on stilts. This restaurant will offer a menu focused on locally sourced steaks and seafood, catering to both casual diners and those seeking a more formal atmosphere. With a private dining room available, Stilts Dining aims to provide a world-class culinary experience, enhanced by panoramic views of the CBD, Brisbane River, Story Bridge, and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Mulga Bill’s – Riverside Café: Inspired by Banjo Patterson’s poetry, Mulga Bill’s will integrate the active transport theme of the bridge. This café will serve a variety of dishes including wood-fired pizzas and seafood, alongside quick grab ‘n go options such as pastries and coffee. Mulga Bill’s will also offer picnic boxes, perfect for enjoying in the surrounding parklands. Located at the city entrance to the City Botanic Gardens, this café will capitalize on its scenic location at the nexus of Edward and Alice streets meeting the Brisbane River.

These dining venues are part of Brisbane City Council’s vision to transform the Kangaroo Point Bridge into a must-visit destination.

The project aims to deliver a quintessentially Queensland experience, blending culinary delights with breathtaking views, thereby enhancing Brisbane’s appeal as a city that beautifully merges urban living with riverside charm.

Published 3-June-2024