Goodwill Bridge
Goodwill Bridge | |
|---|---|
 Goodwill Bridge | |
| Coordinates | 27°28′50″S 153°01′38″E / 27.480429°S 153.02717°E |
| Carries | Pedestrians and cyclists |
| Crosses | Brisbane River |
| Locale | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Steel Through arch bridge |
| Total length | 450 metres (1,480 ft) |
| Width | 6.5 metres (21 ft) |
| Longest span | 102 metres (335 ft) |
| Clearance below | 11.4 metres (37 ft)-12.7 metres (42 ft) from high water level to the bridge deck |
| History | |
| Engineering design by | Ove Arup & Partners |
| Opened | 21 October 2001[1] |
| Location | |
 | |
The Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge which spans the Brisbane River in Brisbane Australia, linking the South Bank Parklands / Queensland Museum on the southside, to the Gardens Point Campus of the Queensland University of Technology on the northside.
The Goodwill Bridge was opened on 21 October 2001 and takes its name from most the popular entry in a public naming competition.[2] The bridge does not carry any vehicular traffic — it is shared by pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters.
Structure
Two main components of The Goodwill Bridge are the pavilion and the arch. The pavilion is located in the middle of the Brisbane River between the arch and the city approach. It is a fundamental component of the pedestrian and cycle bridge and supports one end of the arch. The arch is 102 metres (335 ft) in length, 10 metres (30 ft) wide and 15 metres (49 ft) high and weighs 360 tonnes (397 t).
Specifications
- Width: 6.5 metres (21.3 ft)
- Height: Clearance for River Vessels 11.4 metre (37.4 ft) to 12.7 metre (41.7 ft) from high water level to the bridge deck (same height as Victoria and Captain Cook bridges)
- Arch: 102 metres (335 ft) in length, 10 metres (30 ft) wide and 15 metres (49 ft) high
- Bridge Deck: The bridge deck wearing surface is concrete with a broom finish to provide a safe foothold. It incorporates coloured concrete and applied finish bandings which signify areas where caution is required.
- Security: Six closed circuit TV cameras are spread across the bridge and are monitored from the South Bank Security Control Room.
- Architects: Cox Rayner[3]
- Design preparation: Ove Arup and Partners[3]
- Construction Company: John Holland Pty Ltd[3]
- Project Manager: Jack Sullivan, AMTEC International Construction Services
- Officially Opened: The Premier of Queensland, The Honourable Peter Beattie, officially opened The Goodwill Bridge on 21 October 2001.[1]
- Total length: 450 metres (1,476 ft)[3]
- Bridge Foundations: The bridge's 45 foundation piles range in diameter from 500 millimeters (19.7 in) to 1500 millimeters (59 in) and are reinforced with 350-grade steel and 60 cubic metres (78.5 yd³) of concrete.
- Central Arch span: 102 metres (335 ft)
History
The structure was built downstream at Hemmant and took three months to construct. On completion barges floated the arch upstream at low tide it was floated under the Captain Cook Bridge and then lifted as a single structure into its final resting position by two heavy lift towers.[4][5][6][7] Four strategically positioned platforms and the pavilion-viewing platform provide rest points for pedestrians and cyclists. With exception of cables, all materials utilised in the construction of the arch and the pavilions were sourced from local suppliers.
Controversy arose during the construction of the bridge over its growing cost, and a subsequent budgetary blow-out which resulted in the use of $20.3 million in government funds.[2] The bridge was scheduled to be opened by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting summit to be held in Brisbane, but after the postponement of that meeting and change of venue to Coolum on the Sunshine Coast in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the bridge was instead opened by Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie.[2][1]
Usage
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Over 40,000 pedestrians and cyclists utilise the bridge each week and it is clearly established as a major access point between South Bank and the city. Spanning the Brisbane River between the southern end of South Bank Parklands and the CBD via the Queensland University of Technology campus, the bridge provides a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists, especially since the closest train station to QUT is in South Bank.
The bridge is also popular amongst those who like to maintain fitness, providing a link for a continuous run. Traceurs also use the bridge not only to cross, but in strength training as a distance to travel in the Quadrupedel movement (which provides an arm and leg workout), and also refines coordination skills.
The bridge innovatively includes several outspanning seating bays which allow for contemplation of the river and relaxation.
The architectural design has received mixed reviews; many people see it as a work of art, while others consider it a monstrosity. This is likely due to its unconventional form; for instance, the bridge is entirely asymmetrical, and does not appear to follow any particular scheme with regards to placement of features.
References
- ^ a b c Spann, Craig (2001-10-22). "Goodwill flows as new bridge comes on stream". The Courier-Mail (1 ed.). p. 3.
- ^ a b c Yallamas, Lisa (2001-10-09). "Footbridge stands firm in weight test". The Courier-Mail. p. 9.
- ^ a b c d Musgrave, Elizabeth (2002-09). "Goodwill overture". Architecture Australia. 91 (5): 66. ISSN 0003-8725. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Jones, Chris (2001-08-17). "All systems stop for bridge span plan". The Courier-Mail (1 ed.). p. 1.
- ^ Parnell, Sean (2001-08-18). "Footbridge span continues sailing on troubled waters". The Courier-Mail (1 ed.). p. 6.
- ^ Wenham, Margaret (2001-08-20). "Final journey an unabridged success". The Courier-Mail (6 ed.). p. 1.
- ^ Parnell, Sean (2001-08-21). "Bridge in suspense waits for dawn". The Courier-Mail (1 ed.). p. 1.