More than 240 metres of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge has been built across the Brisbane River, with early works to install the 83-metre-high bridge mast now underway.
Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, Ryan Murphy said more than 50% of the bridge spans had now been installed.
“A bridge connecting Kangaroo Point and the CBD has been talked about since the 1800s and finally that vision is becoming a reality,” Cr Murphy said.
“Delivery of the bridge will take 84,000 cars off the road and connect Kangaroo Point directly into the heart of the CBD for the first time.
“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and it’s important we deliver the transport infrastructure we need to keep people moving.”
Cr Murphy said that with more and more major events coming to Brisbane, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will become a destination for tourists and a key link for people travelling to the CBD and the Gabba stadium.
“We have been using the largest lifting capacity tower crane in the world to install the steel bridge spans across the Brisbane River.”
“This highly technical project is looking incredible for passers-by who can now see the clear progress on the construction.
“This installation of the fifth bridge span is a major construction milestone and brings us one step closer to the bridge connecting in the middle from both sides of the river.
“A combination of the 1000-person strong local workforce and specialised construction equipment and methods means this new bridge can be carefully pieced together in the heart of the CBD with minimal disruptions.
“The 460-metre Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will be one of the longest cable-stayed bridges for pedestrians and cyclists in the world,” he said.
Cr Murphy confirmed the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will now be delivered for the revised cost of $299 million.
The planned delivery cost was $280 million, and Council has worked with contractor BESIX Watpac to reach a revised cost which is an increase of less than 7 per cent, which about the current rate of Brisbane inflation, he said.
“All major projects are under pressure, but unlike other levels of government we are always open and transparent about cost increases,” Cr Murphy said.
“The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is Council’s biggest active travel project, and it isn’t immune to the increasing construction costs other major projects are also facing.
“Right now, there are global supply chain problems, labour shortages and huge construction cost increases but we will continue to build the infrastructure our growing city needs.
“The conditions in the market right now are a perfect storm for anyone building major infrastructure, but we have to push though and get this project done for Brisbane’s future.”
More than 6,000 pedestrians, cyclists and e-mobility riders are expected to use the bridge daily by 2036, reducing car trips across the river by up to 84,000 each year.
The bridge is anticipated to be completed in 2024.
