New Queensland Rail bridge at Ipswich to deliver safe community connection

• Designs have been revealed for a new permanent pedestrian bridge over the rail corridor at Herbert Street, Sadliers Crossing.
• The temporary footbridge will be removed in August, with the permanent bridge scheduled to be completed in 2028.
• Construction will be completed during scheduled track closures, with detours in place for pedestrians across the rail corridor and a taxi service available for those with accessibility requirements.

NEW RENDERS

Queensland Rail has released final designs for a new Herbert Street bridge, providing a long-term solution for cross rail corridor access for the local Ipswich community.

The original bridge at Sadliers Crossing was closed to road traffic in 2020, due to its deteriorated condition, and a temporary footbridge was installed by Queensland Rail to connect the communities on both sides of the Ipswich rail line.

While a bridge in this location is not required for rail operations, Queensland Rail has honoured its commitment to Ipswich locals to keep the community connected by building a permanent structure.

Queensland Rail has undertaken extensive engagement with locals, including face-to-face community meetings, door knocks and feedback sessions, which informed the decision to build a permanent bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and people with mobility devices.  

The design provides for a single trafficable lane for vehicle access during an emergency. 

Works will start Saturday 22 August 2026 when the temporary footbridge is demolished, with construction of the permanent bridge to continue until 2028.

During construction there will be no pedestrian access across the rail corridor at Herbert Street with detours in place at the nearby Thomas Street underpass and Burnett Street.

Due to the bridge’s location over an active rail corridor, construction must be carefully staged during existing track closures to ensure the safety of workers and to minimise disruption to Ipswich line customers. 

Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Neil Backer thanked the Ipswich community for its ongoing feedback and engagement throughout the design process.

“The new Herbert Street permanent bridge will provide a safe and accessible connection for pedestrians and cyclists, and a single trafficable lane for emergency access,” Mr Backer said.

“Given the complexities of building over live rail infrastructure, this work is only possible during existing scheduled track closures, so our crews can get the job done safely and efficiently.

“There will be detours in place during the construction phase, and, to assist members of the local community with additional accessibility requirements, Queensland Rail can arrange alternate crossing assistance.

“We will continue to keep the community informed and work to minimise disruption wherever possible.”