Brisbane’s newest bridge open for business

Australia’s longest bridge connecting Brisbane to the Bayside - the $315 million Ted Smout Memorial Bridge - is now open to traffic, Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Minister Wallace said thousands of motorists had already travelled across the new bridge which would go a long way towards easing congestion for busy motorists.

“The new bridge will join with the Houghton Highway to form two, three-lane, one-way highways. We’ve the doubled the capacity so that if there’s an incident on one of the bridges, motorists will be able to save around 20 minutes on their journey,” he said.

“Commuters can look forward to quicker journeys with dedicated T2 lanes on each bridge.

“120,000 tonnes of concrete and 10,000 tonnes of steel went into this state-of-the-art bridge and it’s a beauty.

“It’s a win for motorists and a win for workers, creating around 700 jobs. It couldn’t have come at a better time with jobs and job security more important than ever.

“With the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge now open, we can get started on the old Houghton Highway. We’re going to spruce it up with new asphalt and expansion joints and that means a smoother, more seamless journey for road users.

“When work is finished mid next year, there will be three lanes open in each direction, delivering big savings in peak hour travel time between Redcliffe and Brighton.

“We’re going to demolish the old Hornibrook Bridge, all in the name of safety. We’ll preserve as much of the old timber as we can and save the historic portals.

“A section of the old bridge will be rebuilt, giving it a new lease on life as a fishing platform over Hays Inlet,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office 3896 3689