Neville Bonner Bridge takes shape

Key supporting sections of the Neville Bonner Bridge are now in place as its graceful form takes shape over the Brisbane River.

With its crowning arch more than 30 metres above the river’s edge and its mast to sit prominently at 75 metres – the same height as the Story Bridge – the elegant and elongated structure is becoming an iconic landmark over the Brisbane River.

Around 10,000 people a day are expected to cross the river via a pedestrian bridge that will measure 322 metres when it opens with the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort in the first half of 2023.

In excess of 1,000-tonnes of complex fabricated structural steel is required to build the bridge with around 800-tonnes of temporary steel used just to secure and construct the bridge as well as a number of large river barges.

Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks said the current assembly of the bridge sections is making the Neville Bonner Bridge a permanent and standout feature of Brisbane.

“Fitzgerald Constructions has safely secured the crown of the arch in place using a scaffolding platform that will remain until the bridge reaches the mid-way point, early in 2022,” Mr Crooks said.
“The crown is pivotal in providing the balance and strength of the cable stays and suspended structure of the pedestrian bridge.

“At 60 tonnes in weight, the crown incorporates fixing locations for the six cable stays that support the bridge deck below between the landing abutment at South Bank and the mid-river pier.

“The crown is also the connection point for the two cables to the top of the mast that help transfer the load of the bridge back to the abutment anchor points at South Bank.

“The crown joins and supports four arch segments or legs, two of which are now securely in place from the South Bank abutment.

“These two massive 60 metre steel supporting segments taper from 3 metres in width at the abutment to 1.5 metres in diameter at the crown, and weigh 90 tonnes each.

“Not only do they support the bridge deck below, but they also create the iconic form of the arch.”

The delivery of the Neville Bonner Bridge is a collaboration between the Consortium, architect, builder, and specialised structural engineers.

Grimshaw Managing Partner Neil Stonell, the bridge architect, said the bridge is an efficient, pedestrian-focussed design solution.

“Careful consideration has been given to how Neville Bonner Bridge will enable connection across the river and through the city, while offering a journey that celebrates the pedestrian,” Mr Stonell said.

“Shaped as an elegant and sinuous ribbon reaching out from South Bank towards the city centre of Brisbane, the carefully composed hybrid mast and arch design achieves a lightweight yet dramatic form which serves as an elegant landmark for the Neville Bonner Bridge.

“The narrow-deck and mid-river landing create a dramatic and immersive pedestrian experience and are complemented by a continuous canopy to provide shade from the hot sub-tropical sun.”

Critical to the design, specialist engineers ensure the design is achievable and can be safely created to suit local environmental factors.

“The structural form of the Neville Bonner Bridge has been driven through careful consideration of engineering, construction and architectural constraints as well as local climate considerations,” WSP lead structural engineer Mr Robert West said.

“When the Neville Bonner Bridge opens, the public will see an elegant and fluid structural sculpture. However, when I look at this bridge, I see the result of the combined efforts of a team of incredible individuals whom each have given their all into making this a truly beautiful structure that showcases the very best of design, functionality and form.”

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