Toowong-West End Bridge Archives

Toowong Active Transport Projects Secure New Funding Injection

The Toowong area is set to benefit from significant active transport improvements. The long-planned Sylvan Road Bikeway and the Toowong-West End Bridge secured new funding. The projects, which have also received state and local government support, aim to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Toowong project funding — *Photo Credit: BCC/Flickr*

Long-Standing Plans Now Advancing

The planned upgrades for Toowong’s transport infrastructure have been discussed for several years. The State and BCC previously set aside funds for these projects. The recent commitment from the federal government has now ensured all three levels of government are financially contributing, allowing the long-awaited developments to proceed.

Under the $100 million Active Transport Fund, the Federal Government has allocated $5 million to the Sylvan Road Bikeway, a key cycling corridor connecting the Western Freeway Bikeway and the Bicentennial Bikeway. Additionally, $1 million has been earmarked for an updated business case for the Toowong-West End Bridge, a new active travel connection over the Brisbane River.

Sylvan Road Bikeway: Addressing Safety Concerns

Sylvan Road in Toowong has long been identified as a high-risk cyclist area. According to BikeSpot 2023 rankings, it is one of Brisbane’s most hazardous cycling routes, due to high traffic speeds, dangerous intersections, and a lack of separation from vehicles.

Currently, cyclists outnumber cars at peak times at intersections such as Jephson and Croydon Street, yet sporadically enforced parking restrictions continue to pose risks. The new funding will help BCC implement a safe, separated bikeway, eliminating a critical gap in Brisbane’s active transport network.

Toowong Active Transport Projects — *Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Toowong-West End Bridge: Scaling Back But Moving Forward

Initially part of a broader “Bridges for Brisbane” strategy proposing five new river crossings, the Toowong-West End Bridge remains one of the last projects to proceed. Rising construction costs and budget pressures led to the cancellation of the West End-St Lucia Bridge. Still, efforts to deliver the Toowong connection remain on track, with a focus on securing funding ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

While the project is still in the business case phase, the Federal Government’s funding injection signals strong support for the bridge, which will provide a vital active transport link between Brisbane’s western suburbs and the inner city.

Community Support for Active Transport Investment

Local cycling advocacy groups, including Brisbane West BUG and Space4CyclingBNE, have long pushed for these projects. These groups are engaging with representatives across political lines to prioritise investment in active transport.

With Brisbane’s population continuing to grow and the 2032 Olympics approaching, community advocates hope this funding marks a broader commitment to safer and more sustainable transport solutions.

Next Steps for Toowong’s Infrastructure

With funding now secured, BCC will proceed with detailed planning and implementation of the Sylvan Road Bikeway. Feasibility studies for the Toowong-West End Bridge continue.

Timelines for construction are yet to be confirmed. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these upgrades will enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists in Toowong.

Published 14-Mar-2025

Toowong-West End Bridge Survives Scaled-Back Green Bridge Program

Brisbane will deliver just one more green bridge, the Toowong-West End Bridge, after abandoning plans for a fifth bridge connection amid escalating infrastructure costs and budget constraints.

However, the West End to St Lucia Bridge has been cut from the program, marking a significant shift in the city’s ambitious infrastructure strategy first announced in 2019.

Project Background

The original “Bridges for Brisbane” program initially proposed constructing five bridges over a decade, with joint funding from local, state, and federal governments. To date, two bridges have been completed: the Breakfast Creek Bridge and the recently opened Kangaroo Point Bridge.

Budget pressures from multiple fronts have influenced the decision. The COVID-19 pandemic, post-2022 flood rebuilding efforts, and the ongoing housing crisis have significantly impacted infrastructure funding.

Council highlighted increased construction costs and lower-than-expected revenue as key factors in scaling back the bridge program.

New Green Bridge Impact

The Kangaroo Point Bridge, the most recent addition, is expected to remove approximately 84,000 cars from Brisbane’s roads annually and reduce travel times for active and public transport users by up to 50 percent.

The bridge features separated pedestrian and active transport lanes and will connect to a nearly four-kilometre eastern bikeway between 2027 and 2028.

Two dining venues along the Kangaroo Point Bridge – Stilts Dining and Mulga Bill’s – are expected to open early next year, adding further community amenities to the infrastructure project.

Efforts have been made to secure funding for the Toowong-West End Bridge, using a business case to support the initiative. There is a strong commitment to finish this green bridge ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games while keeping the budget balanced.

Published 17-Dec-2024

Have Your Say on Proposed Toowong-West End Bridge

Council is building five new green bridges, including Toowong-West End bridge, and you are invited to have your say about the proposed project before Friday 6 December 2019.

Subject to further investigations and community and stakeholder consultation, the proposed Green Bridges for Brisbane include:

Kangaroo Point Bridge -from Alice/Edward Street roundabout (near the City Botanic Gardens) to Scott Street, Kangaroo Point
Toowong to West End Bridge
St Lucia to West End Bridge – from the corner of Keith Street and Macquarie Street in St Lucia across the Brisbane River to the southern end of Boundary Street in West End
Breakfast Creek Bridge – from Kingsford Smith Drive at Albion to Breakfast Creek Road at Newstead
Bellbowrie Bridge – from the river end of Weekes Road in Bellbowrie to Grindle Road in Wacol

*Toowong-West End bridge proposed alignment*
*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/*

The Toowong to West End green bridge will cater to pedestrians, cyclists, and possibly for public transport depending on the outcome of public consultation and traffic studies.

The proposed bridge will serve as the link between the West End and Toowong business area, rail and ferry services, existing walking and cycling network, as well as the proposed St Lucia to West End green bridge.

The Council has identified the proposed alignment which will extend from near Archer Street in Toowong, across the Brisbane River to Orleigh Park, and near Forbes Street in West End.

Members of the community are invited to have their say by answering the online survey here. Alternatively, you may visit any of the following community information sessions:

Date	Time	Location
Thursday 14 November 2019	11 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Reddacliff Place, 266 George Street, Brisbane City
Saturday 16 November 2019	7 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Davies Park Markets, West End
Monday 18 November 2019	4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	South Brisbane Sailing Club, West End
Tuesday 19 November 2019	4 p.m. – 7 p.m.	Ground level foyer, Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Friday 22 November 2019	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	St Lucia Community Hall, 27 Guilfoyle Street, St Lucia
Saturday 23 November 2019	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Captain Burke Park, 117 Holman Street, Kangaroo Point
Monday 25 November 2019	3 a.m. – 6 p.m.	Toowong Library, Toowong Village Shopping Centre, 9 Sherwood Road, Toowong
Tuesday 26 November 2019	10 a.m. -1 p.m.	Queen Street Mall main stage, Brisbane City
Thursday 28 November 2019	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Bellbowrie Mobile Library, Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, 37 Birkin Road, Bellbowrie
Saturday 30 November 2019	2 p.m. – 8 p.m.	Bretts Wharf, Hamilton
Sunday 1 December 2019	8 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Riverside Markets, City Botanic Gardens, Alice and Albert streets, Brisbane City
Tuesday 3 December 2019	3 p.m. – 6 p.m.	City Botanic Gardens (near Alice Street and Edward Street roundabout), Brisbane City

Also, learn more about the project and feel free to provide your feedback by:

emailing the project team
writing to:
Green Bridges for Brisbane
City Projects Office
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001.