A community group is calling for the new Yamma Bridge at Dutton Park to open as soon as it is ready, rather than waiting for Cross River Rail passenger services, which are expected to begin in 2029.
Read: Delays and Disruptions in Dutton Park: Cross River Rail Project Impact on Commuters
The CBD BUG has raised concerns about the pedestrian and cycle bridge appearing to sit mostly idle while construction continues around the Boggo Road precinct. The group said it had contacted Transport and Main Roads Queensland Minister Brent Mickelberg, asking for the bridge to be opened as soon as possible.
The push comes as Cross River Rail moves through major construction and into testing and commissioning. The project says major construction is being completed progressively through to 2027, with first passenger services expected in 2029.
A Bridge Designed To Connect Dutton Park
Yamma Bridge is a shared pedestrian and cycle crossing linking the future Boggo Road station and Park Road station with the Princess Alexandra Hospital precinct and the South East Busway. Cross River Rail says it will provide faster and more convenient walking and cycling connections, improve access to the local cycle network and make connections with public transport easier.
Construction began in March 2022, with the architecturally designed cable-stay bridge stretching approximately 480 metres. Its cable-stay spire is about 43 metres high, while the main deck sits approximately 14 metres above ground.
The design includes lifts on the eastern and western sides, dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths, seating and rest stops, shade and amenity planting, and grade separation at Peter Doherty Street. The western entrance will be via a grade-separated path from Peter Doherty Street, with the bridge linking into the existing bikeway near the Princess Alexandra Hospital Busway.
Once open, the bridge is intended to connect the future Boggo Road and Park Road stations with the Princess Alexandra Hospital precinct and the South East Busway.
What Needs To Happen Before It Opens
Current Cross River Rail construction information shows work is still continuing on Yamma Bridge, including mechanical and electrical installation, safety screens and frames, waterproof covering, pathway connections, lifts and stairs.
The official Yamma Bridge information said major construction is still underway. Once construction is completed, safety testing and compliance certification activities will need to be carried out before the bridge is ready for use.
The CBD BUG has questioned whether the bridge could open before Cross River Rail passenger services begin. The group said it understood the bridge was intended to open this year alongside Cross River Rail, but questioned why the delay to passenger services should affect the bridge’s opening.
Cross River Rail’s official information says first passenger services are expected in 2029. Before those services begin, Queensland Rail, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and major contractors will undertake systems integration, operational testing and operational readiness activities.
The official project information does not say that Yamma Bridge must remain closed until passenger services commence in 2029. It does, however, confirm that once construction is completed, safety testing and compliance certification will need to be carried out before the bridge is ready for use.
The CBD BUG has encouraged people who want to see the bridge opened earlier to contact the Transport and Main Roads Minister’s office. The group has also asked Transport and Main Roads to open the pedestrian and cycle connection as soon as possible.
Read: Cycling Advocates Welcome Plans For More Bike Parking at Boggo Road Village
Any decision on opening Yamma Bridge ahead of Cross River Rail passenger services would need to take into account the remaining construction, safety testing and compliance certification requirements. Until those steps are completed, the bridge is not yet ready for public use.
Published 7-October-2026
