A path or two and a kangaroo: New plan to keep the CBD moving
By Tony Moore
A busy CBD intersection is being redesigned to improve access to the new Cross River Rail station and make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the traffic.
The intersection of George and Roma Streets, opposite the Transcontinental Hotel, would be transformed over a four-month period under a proposal to better support the train and bus station and other major developments planned for the area.
Brisbane’s ‘awkward island’ between Roma and George streets near the Transcontinental Hotel will be reduced in size and a new walkway built.Credit: Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
An isolated park between Roma and George Streets – known for its giant red kangaroo sculpture – would welcome pedestrians and cyclists, and provide a stepping off point for a new crossing to the former transit centre.
A 100-metre-long section of Herschel Street between Roma and George Streets, next to the law courts, will be permanently closed off to vehicles. That will allow for reconfigured gardens and a 4.5-metre pedestrian and cycle path.
The Emblem sculpture, by Geoffrey Ricardo, will be shifted to a new position in the park. Under the changes, pedestrians and cyclists will be funnelled around the kangaroo, to the tip of the park, where a new seven-metre wide pedestrian crossing will provide access to the public transport hub and beyond.
A reconfiguration of the roads and paths near the Transcontinental Hotel will make it easier for pedestrians to get to the new Roma Street station.Credit: Tony Moore
New bus stops will be built along Roma Street and drop-off zones allocated in Makerston Street.
Footpaths will be upgraded on the northern side of Roma Street, between Makerston Street and Herschel Street, to improve the flow of people in one of Brisbane’s busiest areas.
Traffic will be allowed to turn right from Makerston Street onto Roma Street to compensate for the closure of part of Herschel Street.
A traffic impact assessment, undertaken as part of the planning process, found “the road network is assessed as being no worse off with the closure of Herschel Street”.
The section of Herschel Street between Roma and George streets - including Brisbane’s big red kangaroo sculpture - will be modified to include a 4.5 metre walk to a new pedestrian crossing on Roma Street.Credit: Tony Moore
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority has invited public feedback on the proposal, which will have to be signed off by the coordinator-general’s department in the state government.
Changes to the intersection of George, Herschel and Roma streets
- Herschel Street permanently closed between Roma and George streets
- Herschel Street to become left in, left out, for vehicles at George Street
- Right turn allowed from Makerston Street to Roma Street
- A seven metre wide pedestrian crossing on Roma Street, in front of the train station
- A 4.5 metre wide path for pedestrians and cyclists between Roma and George streets
- Cycle lanes added at the intersection of George and Herschel streets
- A west-bound kerbed cycle lane on Roma Street
- Bike rider ‘boxes’ at the intersection of Makerston and Roma streets
- Bus stops on Roma Street, in front of the train station
Construction is expected to begin after public comments are assessed.
The 2021 decision by the Queensland government not to run the Inner Northern Busway underground, as originally planned, helped inform the changes.
At the time, then transport minister Mark Bailey argued “commuters were more likely to change between above ground bus and rail services” and leaving buses above-ground would not hinder future development of the site.
A plan of the proposed changes to Roma, George and Herschel streets in the Brisbane CBD.Credit: Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
The busy streets, and the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, were considered under plans for a Brisbane Arena next to the station on Roma Street.
However, the Miles government has since agreed to move the planned 17,000-seat entertainment venue to the other side of the Roma Street Parkland, near the Normanby Fiveways.
An independent review of venues for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games recommended the new Brisbane Arena site be connected to the station via a universal access bridge and pathway. The review panel suggested it could be “an experience in its own right,” likened to the South Bank Arbour, and support further development of the area.