The new Kangaroo Point Bridge will today (15 December) officially open in a major boost to connectivity for Brisbane.
The stunning $288 million bridge was delivered in a partnership between the Schrinner Council and the Australian Government under the South East Queensland City Deal.
A bridge linking Kangaroo Point and the CBD was first proposed in the 1860s, with an initial design for the “Central Bridge” first developed by 1890.
Plans to construct the “Central Bridge” were put on hold due to a severe economic recession and the financial devastation of the 1893 floods.
Construction of the Kangaroo Point Bridge commenced in December 2021, with marine works paused for almost six months following the 2022 Flood so that equipment could be diverted for the city’s biggest-ever rebuild.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge is the tallest bridge in Queensland, with the world’s strongest tower crane required to lift its 95-metre mast into place.
Once open, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will:
- Help take 84,000 cars off the road every year
- Reduce travel times by up to 50 per cent
- Cut the commute between the eastern suburbs and CBD by up to 15 minutes
- Reduce walking times between Kangaroo Point and the Gabba to the CBD by up to 30 minutes
Fit-out of the new above-water dining destinations is underway, with operator Tassis Group expected to open Stilts Dining and riverside café, Mulga Bill’s in early 2025.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“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.
“This will be a legacy for Brisbane, transforming the way people move around and enjoy the city for decades to come.”
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge is fast becoming a new Brisbane icon and provides the opportunity for more people to get into the city without the need to drive.
“For the first time in Brisbane’s history, there is now a direct connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD which is great for residents and visitors as well as businesses on both sides of the river.
“The incredible design means this bridge won’t just help ease congestion on our roads, it will be a must-do destination.
“I look forward to working further with the State and Federal governments to deliver more city-shaping projects to keep Brisbane moving.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Murray Watt:
“The Albanese Government is delivering the infrastructure that Brisbane needs, and it’s great to see the Kangaroo Point Bridge now completed and ready for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“It will cut commute times and make it easier for pedestrians to get from Kangaroo Point and Brisbane’s Eastern Suburbs to the CBD.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:
“This crucial piece of infrastructure, which we were proud to back, is going to change the way people move around our city.
“The restaurant and bridge itself will be a must-see attraction for tourists, as well as giving locals a healthier way to move across the Brisbane River.
“Whether it was the Goodwill Bridge in 2001 or the Story Bridge back in 1935, each new river crossing has given Brisbane an opportunity to grow and revitalise a new part of the river bank. The Kangaroo Point Bridge will do the same.”
Quotes attributable to Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge was the first thing Adrian Schrinner committed to deliver as Lord Mayor and I’m immensely proud that today we are delivering on that promise.
“Our city’s incredible growth is both an opportunity and a challenge and a team effort is essential to make it easier for people to leave their car behind and ease congestion.
“The Federal Government has been a big supporter of our vision for the Kangaroo Point Bridge and we’re looking forward to working with all levels of government and the private sector to deliver more city-shaping projects.”
| KANGAROO POINT BRIDGE FAST FACTS |
| Bridge type: Single-mast cable stay structure, designed to complement the skyline and minimise visual impact |
| Height: 95 metres from water to top of the mast |
| Total bridge length: 460 metres |
| Spans: Eight, the longest of which is 182.7 metres long, weighing 400 tonnes. |
| Bridge weight: 1,752 tonnes |
| Workforce: More than 1800 people, working 762,059 construction hours |
Local buy:
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| Marine works: 10 barges on the Brisbane River during peak construction |
| Bridge clearance: 12.7 metres (equivalent to Captain Cook Bridge), with provision for a 60-metre wide navigation channel |
| Tensioned cables: 32 cables, weighing 75 tonnes, stretching 3.5 kilometres in total |
| Number of permanent piles: 31 |
| Total cubic metres of concrete used: 7,991 cubic metres |
| Tonnes of steel reinforcement: 1400 tonnes |
| Viewing platforms: Five pause points with panoramic views of the Brisbane River and city skyline |
| Landing points: Two new plazas at each landing point to connect and activate communities at each side of the bridge |
Accessibility:
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Design features:
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