Harmonising with a heritage site

To navigate the broad concept, SMEC’s technical expertise was harnessed to understand the diverse challenges of the project and bring to life the preferred design. Constraints around the project site included environmental constraints, the alignment of major arterial roads such as Kingsford Smith Drive and Breakfast Creek Road. The existing aging road bridge carries major public utility services. The adjacent creek is a narrow, shallow and flood-prone creek. All of these constraints were overlayed by the State heritage-listed site of Newstead House and Newstead Park.

The preferred alignment and structural form were strategically determined as an 80-metre tied arch bridge connecting the northwest corner of Newstead Park diagonally across Breakfast Creek to Kingsford Smith Drive. This carefully chosen height enabled the bridge structure to seamlessly integrate with the heritage site, matching the elevation of the surrounding landscape.

The bridge’s tied arch structure comprising of vertical hangers, offers visual permeability through the structure to the heritage-listed Newstead Park when viewed from the road. The design’s beauty lies in its simplicity, offering a remarkably long single span while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic that elegantly frames the adjacent heritage site and creek, leaving a lasting impact. This chosen structure did not just consider visual appeal, but also storytelling, using a colour palette inspired by the adjacent Moreton Bay fig trees, creating an over-creek passageway that is both visually striking and culturally rich. This solution stands as an example of how modern infrastructure can seamlessly integrate with historical landmarks.

Following completion of the design stage of the project, SMEC continued to work with Council to support a major change in how the bridge was to be constructed. Identified as an option during the design stage, the entire 80 metre main span of the bridge was fabricated off site and transported via barge along the Brisbane River and installed on its supports in one operation. This change removed the need for temporary supports to be built in the creek and minimised disruption within the creek for the community during the project construction. As Council’s trusted partner on the project, SMEC was able to advise Council on the feasibility of the contractor’s proposals, risks and design changes needed to facilitate the offsite fabrication and single operation installation of the bridge span.

Collaboration building connection

By harnessing a collaborative approach, the team was able to overcome diverse project challenges and constraints to arrive at the final structural solution.

The new landing point in Newstead Park includes new signage, feature lighting, rest areas and drinking fountains further delivering benefits for the community.  Along with the new bridge, this will provide a safe and accessible link between the inner city and the northern suburbs of Brisbane, achieved by delivering dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists across the bridge. The extension of the existing Lores Bonney Riverwalk by 175 metres, and on road cycle lanes on Breakfast Creek Road and Newstead Avenue creates a convenient, safe, and accessible connection with its gentle grades. This enhancement in connectivity allows the community to explore the river city more efficiently, further elevating the city as a vibrant place to live, work and relax.

Furthermore, the responsible use of materials and resources reflects the project team’s commitment to sustainable design, ensuring the bridge is durable and stands as a beacon of environmentally conscious design.