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Henry Lawson Pedestrian Bridge Replacement

InvestmentAn investment of $750,000.00 is allocated for the 25/26 financial year, with additional funds to be allocated in the 26/27 financial year to complete the project.
GoalGoal 1: A City for Everyone
1.2 Connected and activated neighbourhoods
1.3 Enabling an active lifestyle and sporting culture
Goal 3: A Future-ready City
3.2 Increase visitation and attractiveness
Goal 4:  A Well-managed City
4.1 Effective financial and asset management
Strategic
Purpose		To renew and enhance the pedestrian bridge at Horseshoe Bay, ensuring safe, modern, and reliable access that supports daily mobility, active lifestyles, and community connection while strengthening the visitor experience at one of Magnetic Island’s most popular destinations. This investment maintains essential infrastructure, upholds Council’s commitment to effective asset management, and keeps neighbourhoods accessible and connected for residents and visitors alike.
StatusProcurement phase. A procurement strategy is being prepared. Contract documents are being developed. Targeted tender release in March 2026

Project Background

The Henry Lawson Pedestrian Bridge, a steel truss structure originally constructed in the 1950s and reconstructed sometime before 1971, spans a small tidal creek between Pacific Drive and Henry Lawson Street in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island.

A routine structural assessment conducted in 2022 revealed significant and irreparable corrosion. The engineering consultancy engaged by Council determined that the bridge had reached the end of its useful life and required decommissioning to eliminate the risk of collapse. Following the Level Two Structural Inspection, the consultancy recommended conducting a load test to keep the bridge open while renewal options were investigated. As a result, Council installed signage advising users of a two‑person load limit.

Project Overview

In 2024, Council surveyed pedestrian and cyclist movements across the bridge from Friday 22 March to Saturday 6 April to assess traffic volumes. This information is available upon request. During this period, the consultancy identified additional deterioration. Consequently, Council installed vertical props on both sides of the bridge to enable re‑certification of the two‑person load limit.

Because regular inspections are required to recertify reduced load limits, the bridge has been closed periodically. During these closures, Council received extensive community feedback highlighting the bridge’s importance.

In 2025, in response to this feedback, Council commissioned an additional structural assessment. Based on the recommendations from this assessment, Council continued working with a structural engineer to prolong the life of the pedestrian bridge and relocated existing services as a safety measure.

Stage One
Completed in 2025, Stage One involved removing and realigning existing services mounted to the structure. This was achieved via under‑boring, with tie‑ins to the existing water and sewer pipes. Services requiring realignment included a 100 mm sewer, 100 mm water main and a 50 mm Telstra utility.

Stage Two
As part of its 2025 Mid‑Year Review, Council is fast‑tracking the replacement of the bridge, with tenders for its design and construction to be released in the coming months.

Stage Three
Stage Three will involve the removal and replacement of the bridge. Council is committed to keeping the community informed as this project progresses and will continue to provide updates on progress and any changes to the schedule.