Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade Project, Brisbane, Australia

The Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2019. Credit: Bicycle Queensland Inc.

Artist’s impression of the riverside improvements of the Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade project. Credit: Bicycle Queensland Inc.

The upgrade project will improve safety, convenience and access for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport commuters. Credit: SMEC.

The Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade project involves the widening of a 7km-long four-lane section of Kingsford Smith Drive between Riverview Terrace and Breakfast Creek Road in Brisbane, Australia, to six lanes. The project will also improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities along the road.

The A$650m ($500m) upgrade project will deliver substantial transport, environmental and economic benefits for the city. Upon completion in mid-2019, the upgraded Kingsford Smith Drive is expected to save up to 30% travel time for all vehicles and generate more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade Project details

Kingsford Smith Drive is a key roadway connecting Brisbane central business district (CBD) with Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, Northshore Hamilton and the Australia Trade Coast (ATC) area. The road has already reached its maximum capacity at peak hours, necessitating an upgrade.

The planning process for the upgrade project began in 2008 and the first stage of the project widened the existing road between Harvey Street and Theodore Street from four to six lanes in 2011. The project was completed at a cost of $13m.

Plans for the second stage of the project to upgrade the road from Theodore Street to Cooksley Street were unveiled in January 2013. The Brisbane City Council disclosed the new reference designs for the planned upgrade in March 2015. Lendlease was selected as the preferred contractor for the design and construction of the upgrade, in November 2015.

The stage two upgrades will deliver a tree-lined boulevard forming a semi-tropic entry into Brisbane, and a new 850m-long walkway with dedicated rest areas over the Brisbane River. New riverside destinations at Bretts Wharf and Cameron Rocks Reserve, continuous footpaths with improved widths, and dedicated cycle lanes between Theodore Street and Harbour Road are also being developed as part of the project.

Construction of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade

The preliminary construction activities including geotechnical investigations, site clearance and service installation began in the first half of 2016, while the major construction on the project commenced in mid-2016.

The scope of the upgrades covers road widening and drainage construction, major earthworks, removal of the existing centre median at different sections of the road, construction and installation of traffic barriers, in addition to the relocation of utilities.

Land-based construction activities between Amy Street and Theodore Street, as well as marine-based construction, including the piling works to support the road widening and new riverwalk over the Brisbane River, are underway as of February 2017.

Contractors involved with Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade

SMEC was appointed by the Brisbane City Council as the independent verifier for the design and construction of the project in July 2016.

E3 Advisory is responsible to provide design and construction management, commercial management and project delivery support for the upgrade.

FRED St was contracted to deliver concept reference design and documentation, infrastructure landscape and urban design master planning, site analysis and the scope of works and technical criteria (SWTC) development for the project.

RedAnt Group was appointed by Lendlease to prepare detailed cost estimates for all structural and marine works, urban design, landscaping and constructing works for the bid.

GRC Quantity Surveyors was engaged by Lendlease to provide detailed measurement, design cost management and cost planning.

Tract provided urban design and community consultation materials for five upgrade alternatives including a range of infrastructure combinations for the upgrade of Kingsford Smith Drive between Theodore Street and Riverview Terrace and further to Breakfast Creek Road.

Aston Consult was preferred to provide commercial, contract and risk management services, project monitoring, and programme management services for the project.

Niche provided a historical heritage impact assessment and cultural heritage management plan for the concept design and analysis stage of the upgrade.