Named after the first Indigenous member of the Australian Parliament, Neville Bonner AO, the bridge is an integral part of the world class Queen’s Wharf development. It boasts a unique slender arch and mast cable-stayed design balanced on a single pier. The structural form balances the weight of the main span against the arch back-span and forms an elegant ribbon shape across the Brisbane skyline.
As the principal structural consultant, WSP worked closely with Fitzgerald Constructions and Grimshaw Architects to design the ribbon and bridge structure to allow for efficient and safe construction, whilst providing sufficient strength and rigidity to stand for a 100-year design life.
Its location in the flood-prone Brisbane river, where it is subject to a transitional cyclonic wind climate, led to future climate change impacts being a key consideration throughout the design process. The Future Ready™ bridge has been designed to resist the induced impacts due to changes in predicted wind speeds and to resist extreme in 2000-year flood events and vessel impacts. The design was also influenced by surrounding environment and the completed bridge provides sweeping views of the river, CBD and South Bank parklands whilst also providing a unique viewpoint of the new Queens Wharf development and surrounding CBD.
Robert West, Lead Engineer – Structures, said that the bridge was a fantastic addition to the Brisbane skyline.
“Connecting the last span is a remarkable achievement. More than 1,000 tonnes of complex fabricated steel was used in constructing the bridge and the slenderness and complexity of the design make it a drawcard in its own right, rather than just a means of travelling between two landmarks.
“I have never before seen a team so cohesive and committed to making something great as the team that worked on the Neville Bonner Bridge. From the contractor and architect through to WSP staff, each put their all into this project, working cohesively to deliver an incredible feat of engineering and a fine tribute to Australia’s first Indigenous politician, Neville Bonner”
“It is a credit to all who contributed to the design and who worked on making that design a reality.”
Neville Bonner Bridge will provide greater connectivity and accessibility for residents and tourists alike with around 10,000 people expected to use it daily. The bridge will also cater for the surge of visitors expected during the 2032 Olympic Games, providing an easy and enjoyable way for pedestrians to explore all that South Bank and Queen’s Wharf have to offer.
Queen’s Wharf entertainment and lifestyle precinct is anticipated to open later this year. It has already earned Brisbane’s first 6 Star Green Star Communities rating for its world-class sustainable design.
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