The long-awaited Toowong to West End pedestrian and cycle bridge project may soon see new life, as prospects brighten for the ambitious infrastructure endeavour. The project, which had been stalled, is poised to resume once the infrastructure backing is secured.
Read: Budget Cuts Force Pause on Toowong to West End Green Bridge and Victoria Bridge Project
Brisbane City Council, unable to shoulder the estimated several hundred million dollar cost alone, is turning to higher levels of government for support. The council is preparing a final business case for Infrastructure Australia and eyeing the federal government’s $100 million active transport fund as potential sources of funding.
To put the scale of the project in perspective, a much smaller bridge over Breakfast Creek recently completed at a cost of $60 million. This underscores the significant investment required for the larger West End to Toowong crossing.
Cr Adrian Schrinner expressed optimism about the project’s future, stating that the council is actively working with Infrastructure Australia on the business case. Federal Labor Senator Anthony Chisholm has confirmed that the council is eligible to apply for funds from the active transport initiative, though he refrained from speculating on the application’s chances of success.
The proposed bridge design, which underwent community consultation from November 2021 to February 2022, garnered strong public support. Key features of the concept include:
- A curved single-mast cable-stay design spanning approximately 280 metres, with a 75-metre mast height above water level
- Dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, with a minimum width of 6 metres
- A clearance height of 11.4 metres and a 70-metre wide navigation channel
- A rest point with seating and viewing opportunities near the bridge mast
- Shaded walkways and a new riverside green space at the Toowong landing
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the project was paused following the February 2022 severe flood and weather event, as Brisbane prioritised rebuild and recovery efforts. The ongoing global inflation crisis has further complicated matters, leading to continued postponement to avoid passing additional costs onto residents.
However, there’s renewed hope for the project’s revival. Cr Schrinner believes that the successful completion of other bridge projects, such as the Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek bridges, will likely increase public demand for similar infrastructure.
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As Brisbane continues to grow and evolve, projects like the Toowong to West End bridge represent a commitment to sustainable urban planning and active transport.
Published 30-July-2024
