Kangaroo Point green bridge will be fast-tracked as part of Council’s plan to bring forward critical investment and drive job and supplier opportunities following the coronavirus pandemic.
Construction on the Breakfast Creek green bridge will also be brought forward, together creating almost 500 jobs and hundreds of supplier opportunities.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has unveiled the draft design of the Kangaroo Point green bridge which features a single mast and open views to the Kangaroo Point cliffs and the Story Bridge.
“We are forging ahead with this green bridge to get people into work and suppliers tills ticking over; and when it’s complete we will also have an impressive and iconic piece of infrastructure in place for Brisbane residents,” Cr Schrinner said.
“There has been a surge in cyclist and pedestrian activity on our green bridges and bikeways across Brisbane since the coronavirus crisis began. People moved away from public transport and even as restrictions eased a lot of residents have made a lifestyle change and demand for active transport options like green bridges is only going to increase.
“Investing in active transport options that make it easier for people to get around on foot, by bicycle or by public transport is important for the future of our city.”
The Kangaroo Point green bridge will cater for 5400 trips each day, which is expected to increase to more than 6100 trips by 2036. Further, the bridge will result in 83,690 fewer car trips using river crossings every year.
“The Kangaroo Point to CBD green bridge is progressing every day and these images are giving us a glimpse of what this city-shaping river connection will look like,” Cr Schrinner said.
Council is finalising technical investigations and following more community consultation we will complete our procurement process for the design and construction of the bridge. The design will be put to the community for their feedback later this year.
Work on the $190 million Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek green bridges is expected to start next year and be finished in 2023. The cost of the Breakfast Creek bridge is to be determined following the preliminary business case. These form part of Council’s $550 million commitment to building new green bridges in Brisbane.
Cr Schrinner also confirmed the State Government had reconsidered their proposed luxury super yacht mooring upstream of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which would have jeopardised its construction.
“While we are all in support of tourist opportunities, even niche markets like super yachts, we did not want private luxury vessels prioritised over the liveability and accessibility a green bridge would deliver for Brisbane residents and visitors,” he said.
“Following discussions with Minister Kate Jones, I am pleased she has agreed to look at an alternate superyacht mooring location that will have no impact on the delivery of the Kangaroo Point green bridge.”