Preparation works for the installation of the masthead on the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge are finished, bringing the project to 60 per cent completion.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said over the past three months the upper and lower legs of the mast had been installed to prepare for the lift of the 25-metre mast head.
“A bridge linking the city to Kangaroo Point has been talked about in Brisbane for over a century and next year it will become a reality,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The bridge’s impressive design will ensure it becomes synonymous with Brisbane’s skyline and a must-visit destination for residents and visitors.
“It’s really exciting to see the bridge take shape across the river, providing a glimpse of what it will look like when complete.
“Our bridge will deliver a fantastic new travel connection between the CBD and Kangaroo point and is expected to take 84,000 cars off the road each year.
“More than 6000 people will use the bridge daily by 2036. It will not only serve as a thoroughfare but will also feature an above-water restaurant and bar as well as a café near the city landing.
“The bridge will save people 15 minutes when travelling into the CBD and provide a new way for sports fans and concert goers to get to the Gabba. “
More than 300 people have worked on the project, ensuring it is ready for the large final mast piece. The upper legs measure 25 metres and the lower legs measuring 23 metres long with each leg weighing up to 37 tonnes.
“The next step in construction is the highly technical installation of the mast head which has been prefabricated locally and is made of Australian steel,” Cr Schrinner said.
The final mast piece is planned for installation this year and once complete, will be 83-metres high from the bridge deck and 95 metres high from the Brisbane River water level.
The top of the Kangaroo Point Bridge will be 20 metres taller than the Story Bridge.
Brisbane Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Councillor Ryan Murphy said the completion of the mast head, known technically as a pyramidion, was the most critical component of this bridge.
“The completion of the 14-piece mast will allow work to commence on the 32 tensioned cable-stay system,” Cr Murphy said.
“At low tide, the mast head will travel upright by barge from the Port of Brisbane to ensure enough clearance to pass under the Story Bridge.
“Yes, it’s that big,” he said.
“Around 280 metres of the 460 metres of steel bridge modules are in place between the CBD landing and Kangaroo Point landing, including the first module of the longest bridge span.”
The bridge is being delivered by Connect Brisbane, led by BESIX Watpac, on behalf of Brisbane City Council.
The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will open in 2024.
