Brisbane locals are taking their first steps on the Kangaroo Point Bridge, following 760,000 hours of construction work on what is now the tallest bridge in Queensland.
The bridge will reduce walking travel times by up to 50 per cent, cutting the commute between Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and the CBD by up to 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for pedestrians travelling from Kangaroo Point and the Gabba to the CBD.
Kangaroo Point will be directly linked to the city for the first time in Brisbane’s history.
The 460 metre bridge is expected to take 84,000 vehicles off the road annually.
The bridge was first proposed in the 1860s. An initial design was developed by 1890, but plans to construct it were put on hold during the recession and flooding in the 1890s. Construction began in late 2021.
During peak construction, 10 barges were used on the river during construction and more than 1800 people have worked on the project so far.
Related stories:
- Tunnelling clocks one kilometre on NEL
- Richmond Bridge designs revealed
- Wilman Wadandi Highway now open
The Kangaroo Point Bridge is one of the first projects to be delivered under the landmark $1.8 billion South East Queensland City Deal. It’s also the second bridge to be delivered under the Bridges for Brisbane program.
The Federal Government and Brisbane City Council partnered to deliver the bridge at a total cost of $288 million.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the bridge will give locals and motorists more options to get into the city.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge will transform Brisbane for the better. The new connection across the famous Brisbane River will open up the city with new walking, dining and recreational experiences,” King said.
“This will be a legacy for Brisbane, transforming the way people move around and enjoy the city for decades to come.”