Inspecting the construction works today, Cr Schrinner said he was confident images of the strikingly designed 460-metre bridge and its over-water dining destinations would become synonymous with Brisbane in the future.

“When people around the world start considering coming to the Brisbane2032 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.”

Cr Schrinner said more than 6100 pedestrian, cycling and e-mobility trips were expected on the bridge each day by 2036.

“Many of the world’s great river cities are blessed with numerous pedestrian bridges which makes them great places to live and visit,” he said.

“Our $550 million green bridge program is delivering that for Brisbane, helping improve the city’s connectivity.

“It will mean people will be able to walk from the city to the Story Bridge Hotel or ride from Kangaroo Point to Queen Street Mall without have to go all the way around to South Bank.

“A number of venues have also been incorporated in the design with the above-water restaurant sure to be one of Brisbane’s top bucket-list destinations.”

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.

Street furniture has been removed and the roundabout at the corner of Alice and Edward Streets demolished to make room for construction.

River-based construction activities have begun.

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

Cr Schrinner said a marine logistics yard has been established at the Port of Brisbane, where materials and equipment such as steel pile liners will be delivered so they can be transported along the Brisbane River.

“Local projects like these mean local jobs and our 80 per cent Local Buy initiative is benefiting local businesses both big and small,” he said.

“For example, Connect Brisbane will source more than 90 per cent of construction supplies and materials from South East Queensland businesses, with more than 300 local jobs and up to 50 apprenticeships created to provide a for our local construction industry.”

Speaking on behalf of the Connect Brisbane team, BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said delivery of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is entering an exciting phase.

“We have the locally made steel pile casings assembled and ready to commence the marine piling works later this month which is a key milestone in delivery of the project. BESIX Watpac and the Connect Brisbane team are really excited to be reaching this point and we’re all very proud to be delivering this landmark project for Brisbane,” Mr Baker said.

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.

The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is expected to be completed in late 2023.

 

ENDS