UQ opens new eastern-entry walkway

The University of Queensland’s new eastern entry walkway has officially opened, improving access for the 20,000 people who will cross the new elevated platform each day.

The eastern walkway is part of a $5.2-million revitalisation of the main thoroughfare connecting the UQ Lakes Busway, the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and the new CityCat terminal with the central St Lucia campus.
UQ Property and Facilities Director Alan Egan said the majority of people coming to UQ now arrived via the eastern entrance.
“During the teaching period there are more than 40,000 trips to and from UQ each day,” Mr Egan said.
“Half of the people who catch public transport, cycle or walk, cross the Eleanor Schonell bridge and then the new walkway.”
The 180-metre walkway, designed by Cox Rayner architects, features solar panels to help power the campus and an elevator to assist those with limited mobility.
University of Queensland transport systems manager Mr Mark Kranz said the advent of new infrastructure had changed the demographics of surrounding suburbs.
“Surveys we have conducted have found that, since the building of the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, more UQ students and staff have moved to suburbs such as Dutton Park and Fairfield,” Mr Kranz said.
“Having a walkway like this not only makes the commute to the St Lucia campus easier, but it encourages people to catch public transport or to walk.”

The area surrounding the elevated path has been reinvigorated with the planting of more than a dozen native trees, new garden beds and 2,000 square metres of turf.
The Brisbane City Council, which built the CityCat terminal, contributed $750,000 to the walkway project.
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