Overview
Another month, another piece of important bridge news in Brisbane. This time, the Queensland capital isn't gaining a new expanse across the river. This latest development isn't about giving the city a new restaurant in a bridge, either. Instead, we come bearing the revelation that the five-decade-old Victoria Bridge from Queen Street to South Bank is getting an upgrade. The aim? Making moseying over the structure much less sunny.
Whether you're heading from the CBD over to the Cultural Centre, or you're taking the reverse meander, the views are always excellent from the Victoria Bridge — but the sun is almost aways glaring. That's about to change, however, as part of Brisbane City Council's new City to South Bank Vision. Yes, shade is about to make a heap of difference to cross-river strolls.
The council has advised that it will build a new shade structure over Victoria Bridge's pathway, aiming to provide year-round weather protection for pedestrians. Exactly when it will be added hasn't been revealed as yet, though. And, the roadway section of the bridge — which is only open to buses — will remain uncovered.
"A large number of pedestrians, including both residents and visitors, already travel across Victoria Bridge each day," said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, announcing the news.
"Shading Victoria Bridge will significantly enhance walkability between South Brisbane and the CBD, particularly during the hotter months of the year," the Lord Mayor continued
Placing shade over Victoria Bridge is just one element of the City to South Bank Vision. Also included: tearing down Milano's and the Pig 'N' Whistle in the Queen Street Mall to make the precinct more open, and potentially adding pop-up gin bars, brewery tastings and food trucks in their place. The council will also purchase Reddacliff Place between George Street and the Victoria Bridge to save it from future development.
Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons
Brisbane sure does love its bridges. Forget the River City — the Bridge City should be our nickname. New green bridges are in the works at Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek. And, the Neville Bonner Bridge from the new Queen's Wharf precinct to the Cultural Centre Forecourt is currently under construction as well
In the CBD alone, we already have the Go Between Bridge, which caters for vehicles, cyclists and walkers between West End and Milton; the William Jolly Bridge that links Grey Street with North Quay; the foot traffic-only Kurilpa Bridge that runs from the Gallery of Modern Art over to Tank Street; and the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge that spans from the southern end of South Bank over to the Queensland University of Technology. And, of course, the Victoria Bridge from QPAC to George Street — soon with added shade.
For more information about Brisbane City Council's City to South Bank Vision, head to Councillor Vicki Howard's website.