Brisbane’s skyline has been transformed overnight with the soaring mast of the Neville Bonner Bridge now in place.
In back-to-back construction milestones for the transformational Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development, it follows the successful installation of the first section of the iconic Sky Deck.
The striking structural and architectural high point of Brisbane’s newest pedestrian bridge, that will connect the South Bank cultural forecourt to the CBD at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, rises 75-metres, the same height as the Story Bridge.
Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks says the Neville Bonner Bridge will be an asset for the city to treasure creating greater connectivity and “supercharging Brisbane’s skyline”.
“Just a day after the platform of the Sky deck was lifted into place, the installation of the Neville Bonner Bridge mast is an even more significant construction milestone,” Mr Crooks said.
“The bridge in essence creates a pedestrian only highway between Brisbane’s cultural precinct, the rail and bus network hubs at South Brisbane, and Queen’s Wharf including the southern end of the CBD.
“Furthermore, the Neville Bonner Bridge creates a majestic pedestrian river loop that takes in the amazing city views from the South Bank Promenade and the Mangrove Walk that showcases local Indigenous totems and storytelling.
“Together with the 28-metres of lower mast already in place, the structure now sits at around 75-metres above the river’s edge, around the same height as the Story Bridge.”
Fitzgerald Constructions Australia Qld State Manager Liam Robertson says the final section of the mast was safely installed completing the steel structural element of the bridge.
“The final section of the mast, weighing 140-tonnes and 50-metres in length, was carefully and methodically lifted into place using a 600-tonne crawler crane positioned on a barge.” Mr Robertson said.
“The tip of mast has an aviation safety light and incorporates an electronic beacon that is detectable by aviation aircraft.
“The construction of the 320-metre bridge will continue into 2023 with the final decks, balustrades and suspension cables installed before connecting it to the established deck section over the Riverside Expressway. The bridge connects South Bank and the integrated resort’s dining and retail level enabling direct access to the CBD via George Street.”
Senator Neville Bonner’s legacy will be acknowledged at several locations on and entering the bridge.
“The Neville Bonner bust that was in the Neville Bonner Building will be positioned prominently at the connection between the bridge and integrated resort. The bust, long with plaques at the bridge lookout, will acknowledge the importance of Neville Bonner’s legacy as Australia’s first Indigenous federal member of parliament, Mr Crooks said.”
