Walkers, cyclists and scooter users will now be able to travel through the Story Bridge, as the Schrinner Council delivers a new connection to make active travel even better.
The new link between Main Street and Deakin Street includes a dedicated underpass that goes through the historic Story Bridge, providing a quicker and safer travel route for pedestrians as well as a direct link to the Kangaroo Point Bridge opening later this year.
To deliver this underpass, two new openings were carefully cut into the walls of the Story Bridge under the southern approach, revealing a part of the landmark that has never before been accessible to the public.
Works were then undertaken to excavate around the bridge’s heritage structure and level the floor to make it accessible for people.
During construction approximately 2.5 tonnes of concrete was removed from the Story Bridge walls and floor, with 95 per cent of materials set to be recycled in other projects across Brisbane.
The new link improves accessibility for those travelling in the area, as the existing Thornton Street underpass requires cyclists to dismount their bike and negotiate stairs.
Other works are underway to improve safety and congestion on this project including a raised priority pedestrian crossing on Main Street to be delivered later this year and a permanent signalised crossing at Edward Street and Alice Street at the CBD bridge landing to help seamlessly integrate cycling traffic on both sides of the river.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge is jointly funded by Brisbane City Council and the Federal Government and will open in late 2024.
For more information on the Main Deakin Connection and the Kangaroo Point Bridge restoration, visit www.brisbane.com.au
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Our Council is committed to making sure residents can get around our city and the suburbs easily and safely.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge will take 84,000 cars off the road each year with thousands of people expected to use it per day.
“This brand-new connection will make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to access the new bridge, while also improving travel along their regular routes.
“This new connection is another way that we are helping keep Brisbane moving.”
Quotes attributable to Brisbane City Council Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy:
“Brisbane is a city that embraces walking and cycling, and this exciting new connection is making getting around Brisbane even easier.
“Residents and visitors will now have a chance to pass through one of our city’s most iconic landmarks as they head towards another.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge will be so much more than just a bridge. Its incredible design in the heart of the city will make the Bridge a must-see destination, connecting our CBD with the suburbs and making our lifestyle even better.
“After delivering the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge earlier this year, we look forward to seeing our city’s walkability improve as we offer more ways to see Brisbane by foot, bike or scooter.”
