Bridges

Cross River bridges are a integral part of the history of Brisbane. Our earliest item in the Archives collection is a plan of a bridge over breakfast creek It replaced an earlier convict built Log Bridge. The bridge was known as "Bowen Bridge". Construction of the Bridge started in June 1850. Almost half the 150 pound cost of the bridge was raised through public subscription. The bridge was demolished around 1889. In May 1925 Council created the Cross River Bridge Commission to report on "'what further facilities for crossing the Brisbane River are necessary for the future development of the greater City of Brisbane." The Commission chaired by Professor Hawken from the University of Queensland accepted public submission and much-heated debate took place in the papers. Suggestions included tunnels, a tube for a high-speed railway and transporter bridges, which would carry both vehicles and passengers in "transporter cars". Sites considered for new bridges included Merthyr Road New Farm to Bulimba, Balmoral to Bulimba and a duplicate bridge adjacent to Victoria Bridge.