Barr Ck bridge (Northern Beaches Leisure Trail)
Project update (as at 22 October 2021)
The bridge over Barr Creek, to provide a safe and efficient pedestrian and cycling connection between Machans Beach and Holloways Beach, is now open to the public.
The bridge, and its connecting pathways, form part of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail which is progressively being constructed to connect Cairns beach suburbs to the CBD.
This $6 million project is being funded by the Federal Government's Regional Jobs and Investment Packages program and Cairns Regional Council.

Barr Creek bridge (artist impression only)
The location of the Barr Creek bridge was based on assessment of many factors including community feedback, constructability and environmental protection. The bridge will cross Barr Creek commencing on the northern side in the Willow Street Reserve, Holloways Beach and connecting on the southern side within designated road reserve. The bridge will then connect into a 3m wide path that weaves through the Air Services land and complete the connection into Machans Beach, by traversing along Arnold Street to the existing path on the Esplanade. This location of the bridge complies with State and Federal funding agreements as outlined in The Principal Cycling Network Plan.
- The bridge is a low profile concrete bridge approximately 150 metres long with a clear width of 3.5 metres.
- The contract for the construction of the bridge was awarded on 8 July 2020.
- The relevant applications, including the Development Application, were lodged and distributed to State Government referral agencies.
- A temporary structure was installed in the creek for construction to allow tide flows and fish passage to be maintained.
The bridge is a low-profile concrete bridge, approximately 150 metres long, with a clear width of 3.5 metres suitable for a shared cycling and pedestrian path. The bridge consists primarily of precast concrete deck units and cast in-situ pier headstocks. Each pier will be supported on precast concrete piles which will be driven into the creek bed. The concrete deck will be finished with a bitumen wearing surface. A light will be installed at each end of the bridge structure along with some kerb level lighting along the bridge.
The contract for the construction of the bridge was awarded on 8 July 2020. The relevant applications, including the Development Application, were lodged and distributed to State Government referral agencies. ( If the link to the Development Application does not work - go to Cairns Regional Council Online Self Service and quote reference number: 9361/2019 ) A temporary structure was installed in the creek for construction to allow tide flows and fish passage to be maintained.
- The majority of construction works are now complete. Permanent lighting to be installed late 2021 or early 2022.
Phone: (07) 4044 3303 or Email: feedback@cairns.qld.gov.au
The bridge connects on both sides of the creek to 3 metre wide on-ground concrete pathways via short ramps.
Last Updated: 17 April 2023
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