Burleigh Waters – Cassowary Drive bridge replacement

Project typeBridges & shared paths
Project scheduleCommencing early 2026

Works will soon be underway to replace the bridge on Cassowary Drive, Burleigh Waters. The existing bridge is reaching the end of its service life and needs to be replaced.

Construction is expected to take 15 months.

Construction details

Demolish existing bridge
Construct a new 3-span bridge with 3.5-metre wide travel lanes and 2.5 metre wide walkways
Some removal of vegetation to facilitate works and revegetation after construction

Impacts during construction

Works will take place between 6:30am and 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday
Some night works may needed to complete works. We will notify residents before night works begin
No through traffic on Cassowary Drive between Christine Avenue and Honeyeater Drive during construction – local traffic only.
Detours for pedestrian and cyclists around site
Residents will experience noise, dust and vibration. There may be some significant disruptions for residents near the bridge during major works including piling
Temporary driveways constructed for properties close to the bridge
Restricted waterway access beneath the bridge
Increased vehicle traffic including trucks and equipment
Site compounds and lay down areas located at Cassowary Drive Reserve, Little Cassowary Park and/or Coronet Park
Public transport routes and timetables may be affected by the road closures and detours

We will make every effort to minimise disruptions, where possible. Thank you for your patience.

Benefits for the community

Upgraded structural capacity and 100-year design service life of bridge
Improved active travel network
Improved safety for all bridge users
Reduced ongoing maintenance costs

Why is the bridge being replaced?

The current bridge was built in the 1980s and is now reaching its end of service life. Essential structural elements called headstocks now showing signs of deterioration and continued maintenance is not possible because the original design and bridge condition does not meet current structural standards.

We considered permanently removing the bridge but a bridge is needed to maintain the local transport network.

The most cost-effective long-term solution to replace the bridge with a superior structure and a 100-year design life.

How often are bridges inspected?

Bridges are inspected at a minimum once a year to assess their condition and identify any issues. They may also be assessed after flood events, fire or traffic accidents.

Level 1 bridge inspection: a routine maintenance inspection that occurs once a year by our trained Transport Structures Inspectors.

Level 2 condition inspection: may occur between 1 and 5 year intervals depending on the condition of the bridge and the asset requirements.

Level 3 inspection: engineering assessment on an ‘as needed’ basis when a specific issue requires investigation. This type of inspection usually leads to a bridge renewal or repair project.

Why are dual walkways included when only one side of the bridge connects to a footpath?

Dual walkways on the bridge will future proof further projects in this area which may connect to these active travel pathways. Construction of a footpath on Cassowary Drive is not in the scope of this project.