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.

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.

“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.

“The narrow-deck and mid-river landing create a dramatic and immersive pedestrian experience and are complemented by a continuous full-length 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.

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

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