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.
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-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
