Ministerial Statement: Work starts on $1.6M Noble St Cycle Bridge

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
18/06/2009

Work starts on $1.6M Noble St Cycle Bridge

Construction has begun on a new $1.6 million cycle and pedestrian bridge across Enoggera Creek at Noble Street, Herston.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the bridge was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council and would provide a vital link between cycleways in Brisbane's inner northern suburbs.

"This is part of the Bligh Government's commitment, along with local councils, to establish a $556 million South East Queensland Cycle Network from Noosa to the Gold Coast and Ipswich," Ms Nolan said.

"We want to encourage people to walk, jog or cycle more often and we are providing dedicated pathways where they can do so in safety.

"People who commute by cycling are not only enjoying a healthier lifestyle and saving money they are also making a contribution to reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions."

Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace said the new cycle and pedestrian bridge would be a significant step forward for the Bligh Government's Q2 Green targets.

"The Bligh Government wants to protect our lifestyle and environment from the challenges of climate change and population growth and projects such as this will help us reach these targets," Ms Grace said.

"This new cycle and pedestrian bridge will be a great addition to the current cycle and pedestrian walks in inner-city Brisbane and I'm sure residents of my electorate will greatly appreciate this new infrastructure."

The new bridge is being constructed and is expected to be completed by September.

Features of the new bridge include:

?four metres wide and 80 metres long

?a safe link over Enoggera Creek - a popular route for cyclists travelling from the northern suburbs via the Victoria Park Bikeway

?a connection from Noble Street to Fagan Road in Herston

?an easier ride to the King George Square Cycle Centre and the CBD via the state-funded Normanby Pedestrian and Cycle Link.

"Cyclists will also have the convenience of a world-class end-of-trip facility with the recently announced $8 million Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital Cycle Centre expected to be open in September," Ms Nolan said.

"The government is proud of its achievements to build better cycling infrastructure for Queensland, including the recently completed Toowong Cycle and Pedestrian Overpass in March 2009, which links Mount Coot-tha Road to the Western Freeway Bikeway and the Brisbane CBD.

"The Queensland Government remains committed to managing congestion by providing integrated transport and promoting green transport options."

Bicycle Queensland Manager Ben Wilson said the state's peak cycling body also strongly supported the project.

"This bridge will help make cycling from the north side of Brisbane more desirable and accessible as well as increasing the safety of cyclists," Mr Wilson said.

"The new bridge will provide a better link to Herston and the CBD from the northern suburbs."

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