Despite the 13 river crossings that cater to vehicles located within a small radius around Brisbane, the growing number of vehicles, cyclists, buses, and pedestrians has necessitated a call to establish 12 new bridges. This initiative, currently being promoted by RACQ, is the subject of an ongoing survey that winds down in the end of June.
In 2010, an eco-friendly green bridge that linking Toowong and West End became a popular choice by the public during the joint state and council planning study forum. Participants during the meeting were highly in favour of an inner-western pedestrian and cycling bridge that will link the suburbs. However, no resolution was ever made about this. Years have passed and bridges have not been built yet in the city.
Last month, RACQ proposed 12 new direct river crossings, three-stage projects, and duplication of existing bridge crossings. The proposal, if accepted, will create links between suburbs such as Toowong, West End, Moggill, the CBD, New Farm, Kangaroo Point, and Hawthorne.
In the same month, they launched the Bridging Brisbane survey to get people talking about these proposed changes. Paul Turner, the RACQ spokesman said that it’s time that Brisbane plans for its future. The lack of planning when it comes to river crossings from the Brisbane City Council or the state government pushed them to take matters into their own hands to get the ball rolling.
Potential bridge locations can be viewed here. Results of the survey, which ends the 30th of June, are expected shortly after. The results will provide significant inputs for the various initiatives and will give city planners an idea of the pulse of the people.