Goodwill Bridge

The Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge in Australia which spans the Brisbane River, 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 the Goodwill Games which were held in Brisbane at the time. The bridge does not carry any vehicular traffic — it is shared by pedestrians, cyclists and roller bladers.

Goodwill Bridge, Brisbane

Structure

View of of the Lower North Bank from the Goodwill Bridge

View of of the South Bank from the Goodwill Bridge

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
• Design preparation: Ove Arup and Partners
• Construction Company: John Holland Pty Ltd
• Officially Opened: The Premier of Queensland, The Honourable Peter Beattie, officially opened The Goodwill Bridge on 21 October 2001.
• Total length: 450 metres (1,476 ft)
• 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 two barges floated the arch upstream. At low tide it was floated under the Captain Cook Bridge then lifted as a single structure into its final resting position by two heavy lift towers. 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 $23 million in government funds. 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 in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the bridge was instead opened by Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie.

Usage

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 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.

See also

• Compression arch suspended-deck bridge.

External links

• Photos of and from the Goodwill Bridge