Brisbane, one of the fastest growing urban centers in Australia, is a step closer to the unveiling of a new structure that is expected to draw bridge lovers from around the world.
The $63.3 million Kurilpa Bridge nears completion as the final pieces of the concrete deck are now in place. The bridge completes a pedestrian and cycle loop that links the Millennium Arts Precinct with the Brisbane Legal Precinct.
The new bridge presents an artistic array of cables and flying struts recalling the ropes and spars of sailing ships and boats, and is the first in the world to be built using a method that combines tension and compressed steel.
The bridge is part of the Brisbane City Centre Master Plan 2006 which anticipates a growing demand for pedestrian areas.
Member for South Brisbane, Premier Anna Bligh said that, once complete, the bridge will allow cyclists and pedestrians to travel from Brisbane city to the Queensland Cultural Centre.
“The Kurilpa Bridge will link the Millennium Arts Precinct with the Brisbane Legal Precinct and will complete a pedestrian and cycle loop between the city and South Bank via the Goodwill Bridge,” she said.
“The bridge will offer expansive views of the river, Southbank and the CBD and includes viewing platforms and a covered canopy.
“This second pedestrian bridge across the Brisbane River is another example of world-class, progressive architecture delivered by the Queensland construction industry,” added Ms Bligh.
The bridge’s unusual design, which was the brainchild of Cox Rayner Architects, has been touted as a future engineering landmark and a structure that will draw ‘bridge-lovers’ from all over the globe.
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said, “It is a drawcard to people from all over the world who want to have a look at bridges.
“It’s very Queensland as far as I’m concerned, if you look at it you can see fishing trawlers,” he added.
The bridge, which was started in October 2007, will be completed on time and on budget and will form a major part of Queensland’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.
No related posts.
