Kangaroo Point Bridge | |
|---|---|
 Bridge completed in December 2024 | |
| Carries | Pedestrians and cyclists |
| Crosses | Brisbane River |
| Locale | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Other name | Alice Street Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Steel cable stayed bridge |
| Total length | 470 metres (1,540 ft) |
| Width | 6.8 metres (22 ft) |
| Clearance below | 11.4 metres (37 ft)-12.7 metres (42 ft) from high water level to the bridge deck |
| History | |
| Architect | Blight Rayner Architecture with Dissing+Weitling |
| Engineering design by | WSP |
| Constructed by | Besix Watpac |
| Opened | 15 December 2024 |
The Kangaroo Point Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the Brisbane River in Brisbane, Australia. The bridge connects the suburb of Kangaroo Point with the Brisbane central business district.
The design for the bridge is a single-mast cable stayed structure which aligns the Alice Street–Edward Street intersection in the City with Scott Street, Kangaroo Point north from the Thornton Street ferry wharf. Construction of the bridge began in 2021 with it opening on 15 December 2024.
Design
The reference design for the bridge was completed by Cox Architecture and Arup.[1] The single-mast cable stayed structure has a length of 470 metres (1,540 feet) with a width of 6.8 metres (22 feet) reaching a height of 11.4 to 12.7 metres (37 to 42 feet) from high water level to the bridge deck, which is the same height as Victoria and Captain Cook bridges. The final design and documentation was developed by Blight Rayner Architecture and Dissing + Weitling as part of Connect Brisbane consortium with Besix Watpac as managing contractor. The redesign includes the optimisation of the four-pronged mast by introducing a cruciform mast tie, refining the original sketch and making it more structurally efficient. The redesign of the Kangaroo Point pier, opens up to C.T. White Park and employs a curated selection of angular geometries to create a cohesive design. The new design also incorporated the addition of a boutique restaurant over the river and a cafe at the city end.[2]
History
The bridge construction was included in the Brisbane City Master Plan 2014 as a priority project. It was expected that the construction of the bridge would be completed within five years.[3] On 31 October 2016, council commenced geotechnical investigative works.[4]
In August 2018, the state government offered funding to the city council to develop a business case.[5] In November 2020, the Brisbane City Council released Draft Reference Design Consultation Report for the bridge. A preliminary business case for the project was expected in late 2021.[6]
Construction was awarded in 2021 to Besix Watpac.[7] Construction of the bridge began in 2021 and was expected to be completed in 2023.[8] 30 boat moorings on the Brisbane River were removed for the bridge's construction.[9] The bridge's construction cost was initially expected to be $190 million.[2] In September 2023, it was announced the bridge would cost $299 million.[10] The bridge was officially opened on 15 December 2024.[11]
A cafe on the city side of the bridge called Mulga Bill's Kitchen & Bar opened on 14 February 2025.[12] A 100-seat restaurant called Stilts with over the river dining is located on the city end of the bridge.[13]
Integration and connectivity
The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge significantly enhances bike path connectivity between the Brisbane central business district and Kangaroo Point, facilitating easier movement between the city and eastern suburbs.
Project features
The bridge spans approximately 460 metres with an elegant single-mast cable-stayed design, minimising visual impact while complementing the city skyline. It features dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths, with a minimum width of 6.8 metres. Included in the design are high-quality landing points that connect and activate communities on either side of the Brisbane River, including upgraded public realms and enhanced connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.[citation needed]
Safetylyne's advanced ladder cable system and Canopy Horizontal Lifelines and Static Lines play a crucial role in protecting maintenance staff responsible for the bridge's ongoing upkeep. These systems are designed to facilitate safe access while supporting Brisbane City Council's long-term maintenance objectives, helping to preserve the landmark's condition and potentially extending its lifespan.[14]
Environmental and social impact
The bridge incorporates design elements like solar panels, cooling vegetation, and shade cover along the length of the bridge. It features dining venues such as an above-water restaurant and bar, and a riverside café. The bridge offers panoramic views of the river and city, with rest nodes for seating and shade.
A new signalised crossing at Edward and Alice streets provides safe, continuous access between the bridge and the city centre.
See also
References
- ^ "Kangaroo Point Green Bridge". Cox Architecture. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ a b Stone, Lucy (29 June 2021). "Brisbane's $190m Kangaroo Point green bridge to host restaurant and bar". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ Kim Stephens (6 November 2013). "Brisbane City Council to fund Kangaroo Point to CBD bridge". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ^ "Alice Street Bridge bikeway investigation works". Brisbane City Council. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
- ^ "Kangaroo Point bridge plans to progress with new QLD government funding". Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
- ^ "Kangaroo Point Green Bridge". Brisbane City Council. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
- ^ "Besix to build half-kilometre-long pedestrian bridge in Brisbane". Global Construction Review. 30 June 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Inner Brisbane River moorings removed for Kangaroo Point green bridge construction". ABC News. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
- ^ Stone, Lucy (11 August 2021). "Inner Brisbane River moorings removed for Kangaroo Point green bridge construction". ABC News. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ^ Dennien, Matt (9 September 2023). "Kangaroo Point bridge build hits halfway mark – and $100m cost overrun". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ Strohfeldt, Catherine (15 December 2024). "Kangaroo Point Bridge opens, but St Lucia to West End crossing axed". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ Ward, Sarah (14 February 2025). "Now Open: Mulga Bill's Is the New Casual All-Day Dining and Drinks Spot at the Foot of the Kangaroo Point Bridge". Concrete Playground. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ Ward, Sarah (20 February 2025). "Now Open: Inspired by Queenslander Homes and Boasting Stellar Views, Stilts Is the Sunshine State's First Restaurant on a Bridge". Concrete Playground. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
- ^ "Kangaroo Point Bridge Height Safety Maintenance Access Systems". Safetylyne. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
External links
- Kangaroo Point Green Bridge - Brisbane City Council
- Bridge design at the Richard Kirk Architect web page
- Bridge Structure Development at the Cox Architect web page
- Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Access Systems Installation - Safetylyne
