Plans for a new footbridge linking Toowong and West End are gathering momentum following the receipt of federal funds to update the business case.
Both Kurilpa and Toowong are set to undergo major renewal in the years ahead with more than 6,000 new homes now in the pipeline across Kurilpa alone.
By 2046, almost 100,000 people are expected to live in the suburbs surrounding the planned bridge – more than double the population considered when the original business case for the Toowong to West End Bridge was developed in 2021.
Similarly, Toowong has already seen a 20 percent growth in population over the past 10 years, with this only anticipated to increase as the city grows.
The case for better cross-river connections has also strengthened following the opening of the Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek bridges.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge has significantly exceeded what models predicted, recording almost 10,000 trips a day and over five million trips to date.
That compares with an original forecast of 6,400 daily crossings – and only by 2036.
Original modelling for the Toowong to West End Bridge forecast 3,900 trips per day by 2031 and 5,300 trips per day by 2041. This is anticipated to be far greater now given the popularity of other bridges across Brisbane.
The Schrinner Council is now progressing an updated business case with the support of the Federal Government.
The updated business case will consider new population and employment forecasts, travel demand and lessons from Brisbane’s newest river crossings.
It will also explore possible construction methods, materials, designs and project delivery phases to determine what funding would be required.
The Toowong to West End Bridge is the third and final pedestrian and cycling bridge proposed under the Schrinner Council’s Bridges for Brisbane program.
It would link West End and the Kurilpa Peninsula with Toowong railway station, the Regatta ferry terminal and the Bicentennial Bikeway, giving residents easier access to jobs, education and some of Brisbane’s most popular lifestyle destinations.
Plans are also progressing to improve public transport along Montague Road, including investigating prioritising buses at key locations that would connect to the new cross river pedestrian bridge.
Preliminary modelling indicates that minor changes including bus jump intersection priority could improve travel times and reliability, with minimal impacts on general traffic.
More than 4.5 million passengers caught the blue CityGlider last year, making it Brisbane’s second most popular bus route behind the Brisbane Metro M2.
Together, the projects would give residents more alternatives to driving and help support Kurilpa’s evolution into a well-connected, car-lite community.
The Schrinner Council and Australian Government are each investing $1 million to refresh the bridge’s business case.
Continued support from other levels of government would be required to deliver the Toowong to West End Bridge.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Kurilpa and Toowong are both growing fast and a bridge between them will provide a much-needed connection and help to ease congestion.
“Our tall over sprawl approach to housing means we can unlock more growth in well-connected areas like Kurilpa, while protecting bushland and preserving what makes our suburbs special.
“We’re not just talking about giving people alternatives to driving, we’re backing the projects that will actually make that possible.
“This bridge will be needed sooner or later as Kurilpa and Toowong continue to experience renewal and growth.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge has smashed expectations and a new bridge between Toowong and West End, backed by better public transport on Montague Road, will provide even more choice.
“This bridge can be delivered with the support of other levels of government and we’re already working with the Federal Government to help make it happen.”
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure Chair Ryan Murphy
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge has transformed the southern part of Brisbane City and provides a straight shot from the Eastern suburbs to the CBD.
“We’re planning a sequel that will connect Toowong to West End, linking the key rail hub and shopping district on the western bank of the Brisbane River with the entertainment, nightlife and housing on the eastern bank.
“For the first time, West End residents would be able to directly access the Bicentennial Bikeway, as well as destinations like the University of Queensland and Regatta Hotel.
“Updating the business case will give us new modelling for patronage, as well as an optimal pathway for design decisions and construction phasing to ensure value for money for Brisbane ratepayers.
“This is the third bridge in the Lord Mayor’s visionary new Bridges for Brisbane program and I’m excited to be taking the next steps forward on this city-shaping project.
Quotes attributable to Councillor Penny Wolff
“For Toowong locals, this would put West End within easy reach without having to jump in the car.
“It would also give people a simple new way to walk or ride across the river, while linking directly into Toowong’s trains, ferries and bikeways.”
Quotes attributable to Managing Director of Suburban Futures, Ross Elliot
“This is a once in a generation opportunity – not just to link West End with Toowong so that people can cross the river, but for this bridge to be a destination in its own right – with opportunities for people to linger longer and take in what could be unbeatable views up the city reach of the river.
“Too often we think of bridges simply as a piece of transport infrastructure to move people from A to B.
“But why not leverage the enormous place-making opportunity and create something very special and unique on the bridge itself – be it a café, restaurant, or public open space that encourages people to sit in comfort and in shade and enjoy our wonderful Brisbane climate and beautiful Brisbane River views.”
“We should at least explore the opportunity via the business case. It’s too good an opportunity to miss.”
Quotes attributable to Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke
“A bridge from West End across to Toowong has been a priority for Brisbane’s bicycle community for many decades now. We’re thrilled to be closer to realising that vision.
“These are communities already primed to receive the bridge. They are so many riders there now. Previous research found one in every twelve workers living in West End and with a central place-of-employment already commutes by bike.
“We can all see how successful the bridges program has been. They continue to attract more and more bicycles, scooters and pedestrians.
“Council’s Breakfast Creek and Kangaroo Point bridges today have way more bicycle riders than the planners and their models predicted. Thousands more each day. They’ve done so well.
“These investments are keeping cars off our most congested inner-city streets and giving residents a healthy and fun alternative.”
