Work on the old Centenary Bridge at Jindalee is moving into reconstruction, with new girders and deck components forming the next stage of its conversion into a three-lane southbound crossing of the Brisbane River. Crews spent earlier stages of 2026 removing sections of the existing bridge superstructure before beginning the rebuilding work.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads community notice at the worksite says works will run from September to November 2026. Intermittent night works include girder deliveries and equipment movements, excavation, installation of precast deck panels and deck pours, while the notice says the girders themselves will be placed on the old bridge during daytime works.
New steel replaces removed spans
BMD, which is delivering the project in joint venture with Georgiou, says reconstruction of the southbound bridge began in 2026, and demolition started in April. Span 1 was removed during a 48-hour active-transport-path closure, while removal of the bridge’s existing I-girders has continued ahead of steel girder installation later in 2026.
The existing bridge structures are being rehabilitated to carry three southbound lanes, complementing the three northbound lanes on the new bridge. TMR says the project will increase the river crossing from four to six lanes and provide longer entry and exit ramps as well as upgraded facilities for pedestrians and bicycle riders.
Riders face intermittent holds
Bicycle riders and pedestrians using the path beside the bridge will be intermittently held and released by traffic controllers as the September-to-November works proceed. The on-site notice describes temporary holds rather than a continuous closure during the three-month work period.
TMR says the existing active-transport network, or an equivalent route, is to remain available during construction, although temporary detours and access changes may be required as work moves through different stages. The rehabilitated southbound bridge will ultimately include an active-transport path about five metres wide, with improved connections to the Western Freeway Bikeway and local destinations.
Northbound bridge cleared the way
Traffic began using the new 270-metre northbound bridge in November 2025, allowing the older crossing to be taken out of its previous role and rebuilt for southbound traffic. BMD says construction of the new bridge involved 30 precast girders, some up to 48 metres long and weighing more than 200 tonnes.
The Centenary Bridge Upgrade stretches between Sinnamon Road at Jindalee and Kenmore Road at Kenmore. TMR currently lists total investment at $353.5 million, including $214.25 million from the Queensland Government and $139.25 million from the Australian Government.
Construction on the overall upgrade began in early 2023. The Australian Government’s infrastructure program lists the project as under construction and gives late 2027 as the expected completion period.
Published 23-Sept-2026
