First section of new CBD bridge in place – temporary Riverside Expressway closure this weekend

Brisbane’s newest bridge in more than 10 years is now reaching towards the CBD from South Bank with a section of deck installed over the Clem Jones Promenade.

Another 40-metre deck section will be lifted into position this weekend temporarily closing part of the Riverside Expressway to all traffic in both directions from 10pm Friday 18 June until 5am Monday 21 June.

Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks said these are major critical works that would build a new lasting asset for the residents of Queensland.

“This week is the start of works to assemble the 13 sections of bridge decking that make up the 320-metre span of Brisbane’s new Neville Bonner Bridge,” Mr Crooks said.

“We’ve safely installed the first section of the pedestrian bridge at South Bank that will connect Brisbane’s busiest entertainment precinct to the restaurant and retail level of Queensland’s newest entertainment and tourism drawcard.

“However, this coming weekend for safety reasons, we must temporarily close the Riverside Expressway to all traffic between Elizabeth Street and Margaret Street from 10pm Friday 18 June until 5am Monday 21 June.

“We have been working and planning this weekend’s lift for more than 18 months with BCC and the Queensland Government to ensure minimum disruption to motorists.

“This weekend was chosen as there are no major sporting events or other significant transport closures planned that may impact on increased traffic through the area.

“There are diversions in place directing traffic to the Story Bridge, William Jolly Bridge and the Go Between Bridge, which will have tolls waived for the duration of the closure in both directions.

“Motorists are also advised that the Cornwall Street and Stanley Street on-ramps to the Pacific Motorway (northbound) will be closed as part of this closure, however, the Captain Cook Bridge will remain open.

“A significant communications campaign is underway, and we ask that motorists seek alternative routes and avoid the area if possible.

“The CBD will remain accessible via the Captain Cook Bridge and Margaret Street or from the north via North Quay.”

Work commenced for the bridge with piling at South Bank in March 2020, followed by the mid-river pier and pile cap this year.

“The 40-metre, 43-tonne section that will be carefully lifted into place this weekend will extend from the integrated resort over the expressway to the support column in the recreation area called the landing,” Mr Crooks said.

“Fitzgerald, our bridge contractor, will use a 600-tonne crawler crane on a barge in the river to lift the bridge deck section from an adjacent barge safely into place.

“The lift itself will take place in the early hours of Saturday morning, with pre-cast concrete decking panels and pouring of a concrete topping slab to follow prior to the expressway reopening.”

The Bicentennial Bikeway will remain open although for safety reasons will require hold and release of users during the major overhead heavy lifts. Traffic controllers will be on-site during these periods.

For more information on Queen’s Wharf visit www.queenswharfbrisbane.com.au