Description of the attraction
The Victoria Bridge is a road and pedestrian bridge across the Brisbane River. The current bridge, opened in 1969, is the third permanent river crossing to be built on this site. The bridge is divided into paths for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The Victoria Bridge connects South Shore Park and the Queensland Cultural Center with Brisbane's North Quay downtown. The master plan for Brisbane City Center includes a new crossing directly adjacent to the Victoria Bridge and so far called Adelaide Street Bridge, which will take over pedestrians, cyclists, buses and possibly city monorail to free the Victoria Bridge. exclusively for cars, as it used to be.
Construction of the first bridge over the Brisbane River began on 22 August 1864. That bridge, known as Brisbane, was made of wood and quickly collapsed due to an invasion of woodworm grub, finally collapsing in April 1867. The City Council was unable to repair the bridge, and its fragments fell into the river for two years.
The new ferry, opened in July 1874 by the Governor of Queensland, was iron and tolls were charged. The bridge was built with money borrowed by the City Council, which was supposed to be paid off through fees. However, a lack of profits meant that the bridge was taken over by the Colonial Government, which installed drawbridges so that high-masted ships could climb up the river. Then tram lines were laid on the bridge. During the floods of 1893, the bridge was partially washed away by the raging streams of the Brisbane River. In 1897, another bridge was built, which operated until 1969, when it was destroyed. At the same time, ferries were used to transport people and goods. That bridge was built of steel and had two carriageways and two footpaths. In 1943, the bridge deflection became apparent due to the increased traffic. Tram routes had to be limited and footpaths removed altogether.
The new bridge, opened on April 14, 1969, was needed due to the growing car traffic. Its construction cost 3.2 million Australian dollars.
