Editing Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges

{{short description|Bridges in Queensland, Australia}}
{{for|bridges known as Gateway Bridge|Gateway Bridge (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2012}}
{{Infobox Bridge
 | image             = GatewayBridge800.jpg
 | bridge_name       = Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges
 | official_name     = Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges
 | locale            = [[Brisbane]], [[Queensland]], Australia
 | carries           = Motor vehicles
 | crosses           = [[Brisbane River]]
 | cost              = $92&nbsp;million (1986)<br />$350&nbsp;million (2010)
 | open              = {{start date and age|df=yes|1986|1|11}} (1986 span)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-tobruk-ii |title=HMAS Tobruk (II) |publisher=[[Royal Australian Navy]] |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111103717/https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-tobruk-ii |url-status=live }}</ref><br />{{start date and age|df=yes|2011|5|22}} (2010 span)
 | below             = {{convert|59.2|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} at mid-span<ref name=Pitt/>
 | design            = [[Twin bridges|Twin]] [[concrete]] [[Cantilever bridge|cantilever]] [[box girder bridge|box girder]]
 | mainspan          = {{convert|260|m}}
 | length            = {{convert|1627|m}}
 | width             = {{convert|22|m}}
 | height            = {{convert|64.5|m|ft}} above river level<ref name=Pitt/> 
 | image_caption     = The Gateway Bridge (now named Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges), pictured from the [[Brisbane River]] in 2003. | coordinates       = {{coord|27|26|40|S|153|06|02|E|type:landmark_region:AU|display=it}}
}}

The '''Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges''', formerly and still collectively referred to as the '''Gateway Bridge''', are a pair of twin road bridges that carry the [[Gateway Motorway]] (M1) over the [[Brisbane River]], skirting the eastern suburbs of the city of [[Brisbane]]. The western bridge carries traffic to the north and the eastern bridge carries traffic to the south. They are the most eastern crossings of the Brisbane River and the closest to [[Moreton Bay]], crossing at the [[Quarries Reach]] and linking the suburbs of [[Eagle Farm]] and [[Murarrie, Queensland|Murarrie]]. The original western bridge (formerly named the '''Gateway Bridge''') was opened on 11 January 1986 and cost A$92&nbsp;million to build.<ref name=Pitt>{{citation | url = http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/54188 | title = Gateway Upgrade Project well underway | author = Warren Pitt | publisher = Queensland Government | date = 26 September 2007 | access-date = 12 January 2016 | archive-date = 9 January 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085056/https://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/54188 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="cm1">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,25078200-5018552,00.html |title=Prince Philip opens Gateway Bridge, months after it opened |author=Brendan O'Malley |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=20 February 2009 |work=[[The Courier-Mail|Courier Mail]] |publisher=[[Queensland Newspapers]] |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085038/https://www.couriermail.com.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The duplicate bridge was opened in May 2010, and cost $350&nbsp;million.<ref name=Pitt/>

In February 2010, the [[Queensland Government]] renamed the Gateway Bridge and its duplicate the [[Sir Leo Hielscher]] Bridges.<ref name="Ministerial Media Statement">{{cite web |url=http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/mms/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=69702 |title=History made as tens of thousands walk new Gateway to Queensland |work=[[Queensland Government]] |access-date=17 May 2010 |date=16 May 2010 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716094825/http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/mms/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=69702 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Brisbane Times">{{cite web |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gateway-bridge-to-be-renamed-20100211-nted.html |title=Gateway Bridge to be renamed |access-date=11 February 2010 |date=11 February 2010 |work=[[Brisbane Times]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Digital]] |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085018/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/gateway-bridge-to-be-renamed-20100211-nted.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the announcement, an opinion poll conducted by Brisbane's Channel Nine News showed that 97% of people were against the decision to rename the bridge and that most would continue to call it the Gateway Bridge.<ref>Channel Nine News, 12 February 2010</ref>{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

A public open day for the duplicate bridge was held on 16 May 2010 and the new bridge was opened to traffic on 22 May 2010, six months ahead of schedule. Following the opening, the old bridge was refurbished, three vehicle lanes at a time. From November 2010 the two bridges carry 12 lanes of vehicle traffic (six in each direction).<ref>Channel Seven News, 13 February 2010</ref><ref name="Queensland Newspapers">{{cite news|title=New Gateway to open a month ahead of schedule |work=The Courier-Mail|publisher=Queensland Newspapers |date=14 February 2010 |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26722182-3102,00.html |access-date=15 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218141516/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26722182-3102,00.html |archive-date=18 February 2010 }}</ref> The associated upgrade of the Gateway Motorway south of the bridge was completed in May 2010 to coincide with the new bridge opening.<ref>{{citation
| url=http://gup.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/46404001266203154255.pdf
| title=New Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge to provide traffic benefits sooner
| publisher=Queensland Government
| access-date=16 February 2010
| archive-date=9 January 2021
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085016/http://ww38.gup.com.au/data/portal/00000005/content/46404001266203154255.pdf
| url-status=live
}}</ref>

To pay for the duplication of the bridge, a toll was imposed on the original bridge in 2005, and on the new bridge when the latter opened.<ref name="abc">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2005/02/17/1305263.htm |title=New Gateway Bridge for Brisbane to begin next year |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=17 February 2005 |work=[[ABC News Online]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085019/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-02-17/new-gateway-bridge-for-brisbane-to-begin-next-year/1520824 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bridges are tolled using the [[Linkt]] (formerly ''go via'') electronic system and will remain so until 2051.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/busind/Transport-sectors/Toll-roads/Road-Franchise-Agreement/RoadFranchiseAgreement.pdf?la=en|title=Road Franchise Agreement - The State of Queensland (The State), Queensland Motorways Pty Limited ACN 067 242 513, Gateway Motorway Pty Limited ACN 010 127 303 and Logan Motorways Pty Limited ACN 010 704 300 (Franchisees)|website=Department of Transport and Main Roads|page=52|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018001825/https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/busind/Transport-sectors/Toll-roads/Road-Franchise-Agreement/RoadFranchiseAgreement.pdf?la=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Toll house|toll booth]]s were removed and free flow tolling began in July 2009.<ref name="abc2">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/08/2708804.htm |title=Free-flow tolling reduces Brisbane crashes |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=9 October 2009 |work=[[ABC News Online]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085019/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-10-08/free-flow-tolling-reduces-brisbane-crashes/1096334 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The booth removal saw an immediate drop in road crashes due to the reduction in queuing and weaving at the toll booths on the southern approach.<ref name="abc2"/>

==History==
[[File:Opening of Gateway Bridge in Brisbane, January 1986.jpg|thumb|left|Opening of the first Gateway Bridge span, January 1986]]
[[Image:Gateway Bridge aerial3.JPG|thumb|Gateway Bridge construction]]
[[Image:Gateway Bridge aerial2.JPG|thumb|Gateway Bridge construction]]
Construction on the Gateway Bridge commenced on 5 June 1980. The construction of the bridge started before the design was completed, to fast track its construction. It was officially commissioned on 11 January 1986. On this day 200,000 people crossed the bridge by foot as part of the opening activities.<ref name="cm1"/>

In 1986 the bridge carried an average of 12,500 vehicles per day.<ref name="bt1">{{cite web |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/premier-walks-in-johs-footsteps-to-open-new-gateway-20091007-gn4z.html |title=Premier walks in Joh's footsteps to open new Gateway |author=Tony Moore |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=8 October 2009 |work=[[Brisbane Times]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Digital]] |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085023/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/premier-walks-in-johs-footsteps-to-open-new-gateway-20091007-gn4z.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2001 the bridge was crossed by 27 million vehicles (approximately 73,975 vehicles per day).<ref name="abc3">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200211/s727280.htm |title=Toll usage up on SEQld roads and bridges |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=15 November 2002 |work=[[ABC News Online]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] }}</ref> In early 2010 the single bridge was carrying an average of 100,000 vehicles per day.<ref name="bt1"/>

The annual [[Bridge to Brisbane]] [[fun run]] has begun from the southern entrance to the bridge from its first year until 2015, when it was moved, and again since 2021, after being moved back.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eventsponsors.com.au/event/view/84|title=Bridge to Brisbane|website=EventSponsors|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085021/https://www.eventsponsors.com.au/event/view/84|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Gateway Bridge aerial4.JPG|thumb|right|Gateway Bridge]]

In 1979, a tender was called by the Queensland Main Roads Department for a new bridge crossing of the Brisbane River.
The conforming design main span was designed as a balanced cantilever with two raised post tensioned concrete compression stays located on the median and over each of the two main piers to support the 260-metre span. Due to the proximity of the Brisbane Airport, an overall structural height constraint was provided due to aircraft flight path and clearances. This constraint ruled out the possibility of a conventional [[cable-stayed bridge]] due to the height of the pylons that would be required.
Due to cost considerations, an alternative design concept was proposed by Bruce Ramsay (Manager Engineering) of VSL. This alternative design required a world record main span of 260&nbsp;m for a free [[cantilever bridge|cantilever]], concrete [[box girder bridge]]. The concept was adopted by one of the tenderers – Transfield Queensland Pty.Ltd. who was subsequently awarded the project on the basis of this alternative. It held the record span of 260&nbsp;m for over 15 years. The [[box girder]] is still the largest prestressed concrete, single box in the world, measuring 15&nbsp;m deep at the pier, with a box width of 12&nbsp;m and an overall deck width for the six lanes of 22&nbsp;m.<ref>{{citation
| url=http://en.structurae.de/structures/data/index.cfm?ID=s0002214
| title=Structurae: Gateway Bridge (1986)
| access-date=26 November 2008
| archive-date=20 October 2013
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020024555/http://en.structurae.de/structures/data/index.cfm?ID=s0002214
| url-status=live
}}</ref>

As stated above the bridge owes its distinctive shape to [[aviation|air traffic]] requirements restricting its height to under {{convert|80|m}} above sea level (all features of the bridge including light poles) coupled with shipping needs requiring a navigational clearance of {{convert|55|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bestbridge.net/Australia_en/gateway-bridge.phtml|title=Gateway Bridge|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085031/http://bestbridge.net/Australia_en/gateway-bridge.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

The bridge has six lanes (originally three lanes in each direction, which were subsequently reconfigured to six lanes of northbound traffic after opening of the duplicate bridge).{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}

The bridge was financed by funds borrowed by the [[Queensland Government]], and as a result, users of the bridge pay a toll when crossing the bridge in either direction. The bridge is operated and maintained by [[Transurban#Queensland|Transurban Queensland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.transurban.com/roads-and-projects/brisbane|title=Brisbane|website=Transurban|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027050421/https://www.transurban.com/roads-and-projects/brisbane|url-status=live}}</ref>

The total length is {{convert|1,627|m|ft|abbr=off}}. This is divided into a southern approach of {{convert|376|m|ft|abbr=off}}, a northern approach of {{convert|731|m|ft|abbr=off}} and the three central spans of {{convert|520|m|ft|abbr=off}}. 
The record main span is {{convert|260|m|ft|abbr=off}} long by {{convert|64.5|m|ft|abbr=off}} high, which is equivalent to a 20-storey building. A total of 150,000 tonnes (165,000&nbsp;short tons) of concrete was used to construct the bridge.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}

The original design did not include a safety fence to prevent suicide attempts and [[base jumping]].<ref name="cm1"/> Three-metre high safety fences attached to the top of the concrete traffic barrier were later installed to prevent these incidents occurring.<ref name="bt2">{{cite web |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/gateway-safe-assures-pitt/2009/01/30/1232818698742.html |title=Gateway safe, assures Pitt |author=Tony Moore |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=30 January 2009 |work=[[Brisbane Times]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Digital]] |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085035/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/gateway-safe-assures-pitt-20090131-geas7n.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Anti-climbing screens are part of the second bridge's security features.<ref name="bt2"/>

==Duplication==

[[Image:Gateway Bridge - Construction view from Paringa Rd.JPG|thumb|Gateway Bridges from south bank of [[Brisbane River]] (Rivergate Marina)]]
[[File:Gateway bridges pathways.JPG|thumb|Park and pathway on south side]]
In 2005, a major upgrade of the Gateway Motorway was announced.<ref name="abc"/> [[Leighton Contractors]] and joint venture partner [[Abigroup]] won the contract to upgrade the motorway. The [[Australian dollar|A$]]1.88&nbsp;billion Gateway Upgrade Project includes the duplication of the Gateway Bridge and upgrades to {{convert|20|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} of the Gateway Motorway from Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road in the south to Nudgee Road in the north. The bridge duplication was the largest bridge and road development in Queensland's history.<ref name="aus">{{cite web |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/dual-gateway-opens-brisbane-to-growth-and-prosperity/story-e6frg6oo-1225769697990 |title=Dual Gateway opens Brisbane to growth and prosperity |author=Sean Parnell  |access-date=1 February 2010 |date=5 September 2009 |work=[[The Australian]] |publisher=[[News Limited]] }}</ref> The duplicate bridge was specified to have a design life of 300 years.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hart|first=John|title=NZBridges 2012 – 300-year sustainability: The Second Gateway Bridge Brisbane|url=http://www.conferenz.co.nz/content/whitepapers/2012/300%20year%20sustainability%20-%20The%20Second%20Gateway%20Bridge.pdf|publisher=NZ Bridges 2012|access-date=16 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212000009/https://www.conferenz.co.nz/content/whitepapers/2012/300%20year%20sustainability%20-%20The%20Second%20Gateway%20Bridge.pdf|archive-date=12 February 2013}}</ref>

To the south, the upgrade included widening {{convert|12|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} of the Gateway Motorway from 4&nbsp;to&nbsp;6&nbsp;lanes. To the north, it involved the construction of the {{convert|7|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} Gateway Motorway deviation, an entirely new six-lane motorway between the Gateway Bridge and Nudgee Road. The deviation runs east of the original motorway through [[Brisbane Airport Corporation]] land and provides an alternative means of access to [[Brisbane Airport]] (the only effective access from the south). The new bridge provides a bicycle path unlike the first crossing.<ref name="bt1"/>

The Wynnum Road upgrade was completed on 13 July 2007 and 2 additional southbound lanes between the [[Port of Brisbane Motorway]] and Wynnum Road completed in late 2007. Four of six lanes of the new Gateway Motorway deviation were opened in July 2009. All works south of the river were complete by the end of 2009 after 10 years of constant roadwork and traffic disruption. The final concrete pour linking the sides of the new bridge was made in late October 2009.<ref name="bt1"/> A total of 748 concrete segments, which are supported by 17&nbsp;piers, were placed for the new bridge.<ref name="aus"/>

The duplicate bridge was completed in May 2010 along with the remaining lanes of the Gateway Motorway deviation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkt.com.au/brisbane/using-toll-roads/about-brisbane-toll-roads/gateway-motorway|title=Gateway Motorway|website=Linkt Queensland|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085037/https://www.linkt.com.au/brisbane/using-toll-roads/about-brisbane-toll-roads/gateway-motorway|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2010, then Minister for Main Roads, [[Craig Wallace (politician)|Craig Wallace]], announced that the original course of the Gateway Motorway via Eagle Farm would be renamed to Southern Cross Way, after Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's aircraft, the ''[[Southern Cross (aircraft)|Southern Cross]]'', which landed at Eagle Farm in 1928, and so as to avoid confusion with the newly opened Gateway Motorway deviation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wallace|first=Craig|title=Southern Cross Way – a legendary name for the Old Gateway Motorway|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/72116|publisher=Queensland Government|date=20 October 2010|access-date=1 January 2015|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109085040/https://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/72116|url-status=live}}</ref> The new Gateway Motorway deviation was given the name Gateway Motorway. However, like the renaming of the bridges themselves, the change to Southern Cross Way was not without controversy, attracting criticism from the then Shadow Minister for Main Roads and Transport, [[Fiona Simpson]].<ref>{{cite news|work=The Courier-Mail|publisher=Queensland Newspapers|title=Gateway Motorway name change to Southern Cross Way a 'waste of money', says Fiona Simpson|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gateway-motorway-name-change-to-southern-cross-way-a-waste-of-money-says-fiona-simpson/story-e6freoof-1225925184839|date=17 September 2010|access-date=1 January 2015}}</ref>

Refurbishment of the existing bridge was completed in November 2010.<ref name="Queensland Newspapers"/>

== Awards ==
In 2009 as part of the [[Q150]] celebrations, the Gateway Bridge was announced as one of the [[Q150 Icons]] of Queensland for its role as a "structure and engineering feat".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|title=PREMIER UNVEILS QUEENSLAND'S 150 ICONS|last=Bligh|first=Anna|author-link=Anna Bligh|date=10 June 2009|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524033717/http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|archive-date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Architecture|Transport|Engineering|Queensland}}
*[[List of Australian freeways]]
*[[List of bridges]]
*[[Metroad#Brisbane Metroads|Metroad]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au Gateway Upgrade Project Website]
*[http://www.qldmotorways.com.au Queensland Motorways Website]
*{{Structurae|id=20002214|title=Gateway Bridge}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110224142014/http://tmr.qld.gov.au/Traffic-cameras-by-location/Traffic-cameras.aspx?name=Gateway%20Bridge%20(North) Webcam of Gateway Bridge]
*[http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=977cb2e0549d1a924808ad5e4163344f&rtyp=k&fn=gateway Google Earth (Version 4) 3D Model]

{{Brisbane bridges navigation}}
{{Brisbane landmarks}}

[[Category:Bridges in Brisbane]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1986]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 2010]]
[[Category:Toll bridges in Australia]]
[[Category:Toll roads in Australia]]
[[Category:Bridges over the Brisbane River]]
[[Category:Road bridges in Queensland]]
[[Category:Cantilever bridges in Australia]]
[[Category:Concrete bridges in Australia]]
[[Category:Box girder bridges in Australia]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Q150 Icons]]