This bridge is a missing walking and cycling link – and it was supposed to open this year

This huge walking and cycling bridge is even longer than the popular Kangaroo Point Bridge – and it was supposed to open this year.

But authorities have provided no clues about its launch date.

Construction on the 480-metre long Yamma Bridge, described as a “game-changer for the local community”, began four-and-a-half years ago, and the bridge will link a new Boggo Road train station, Park Road station, the Princess Alexandra Hospital precinct and the busway at Dutton Park.

Yamma Bridge is part of the Cross River Rail project, which had its launch date pushed out to 2029, but advocates say the bridge’s opening should not be delayed until then.

It would provide safe connections to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Bikeway, Veloway, Brisbane South State Secondary College and The University of Queensland, using the Eleanor Schonell Bridge.

Cyclists argued nearby Kent Street at Dutton Park, the current route, remained unsafe and confusing, including a footpath leading to a narrow 90-degree turn. They also say there are issues with ramps, unclear signs, and no traffic-calming for vehicles turning into Cornwall Street, where riders must cross.

A Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesman said construction of the bridge continued. But he did not provide an opening date.

“The community will be kept updated on construction activities and will be notified well in advance of the bridge opening,” he said.

“A specific opening date is yet to be determined, and a timeline for opening will be developed in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.”

This week, this masthead was told work yet to be finished included installing bridge deck waterproofing, safety screens, passenger lifts, way finding and mechanical and electrical systems, such as CCTV and emergency communication systems.

Safety testing, compliance certification and surrounding precinct work would need to be finished before the bridge can be used.

One year ago, Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said work yet to be done included surface works, line painting, kerb patching, canopy roofing, vertical transport work, electrical and lighting installation, pathway and landscape works and CCTV installation.

It took three years to build the Kangaroo Point Bridge, just under two years to build the Kurilpa Bridge, 1.5 years to build the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and 18 months to build the Goodwill Bridge.

In 2022, Labor’s then-transport minister Mark Bailey said construction on the Dutton Park bridge would start in March and take about 18 months.

In May 2024, before the Cross River Rail deadline was pushed out to 2029, the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority said construction on the Dutton Park bridge was “well progressed” and was expected to open in line with the whole project in 2026.

The Queensland CFMEU inquiry has this week heard evidence about an escalating campaign by the CFMEU against major contractor CPB at the Cross River Rail Dutton Park station site, including a blockade in 2024.

Mary Doolan, from the Brisbane South Bicycle User Group, said Kent Street was not safe, logical or easy to navigate.

“Until this connection is fixed, we continue to seek a safe alternative, which could be Yamma Bridge,” she said.

“Many, but not all riders, will then be able to avoid the safety issues on Kent Street.

“This bridge could easily be opened when it is structurally finished and deemed safe to use.

“We hope the minister approves this safe and logical approach and does not put more people at risk for another two years.”

Labor Transport spokesman Bart Mellish said the bridge had been substantially completed for some time.

“It’s clear this government has dropped the ball on all Cross River Rail-related projects after they’ve delayed the overall project by three years,” he said.

“This government needs to just get on with the minor works needed to get it finished and get it open.”

Mickelberg was contacted for comment.

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