Categories: Local
      Date: May  2, 2009
     Title: New bridge comes together

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said although the bridge deck appeared complete, it would be several weeks before construction workers could walk across.

“Looking across from Victoria Bridge or driving along the Riverside Expressway, onlookers will notice that the structural steel elements of the bridge have joined,” Mr Schwarten said.

“However, the concrete deck elements that pedestrians will eventually walk across will not be in position until mid-May.”

Mr Schwarten said the Kurilpa Bridge project was both on schedule to open in September and within budget.

“The construction of the bridge is also good news for the economy with 65 people currently working on the site and more than 1,050 people employed on the project since the construction began,” he said.

Member for South Brisbane, Premier Anna Bligh said 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,” she said.

The completion of the Kurilpa Bridge will form a major part of Queensland’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.