William Jolly Bridge

The William Jolly Bridge is a concrete arch bridge that crosses the Brisbane River using three large arches to connect the districts on either side. It carries thousands of vehicles and pedestrians daily across the water, with a smooth, symmetrical structure that is clearly visible from both riverbanks.

Construction finished in 1932, making it one of the first major infrastructure projects completed after Greater Brisbane was formed. Built during a global economic downturn, the bridge helped connect the growing center with its southern suburbs more firmly.

The bridge spans a traditional river crossing that served Aboriginal people and early European settlers before modern infrastructure developed. Today it remains a familiar landmark where locals and visitors move through daily, experiencing a key connection point in the city's life.

Visitors can walk or cycle across the bridge, with dedicated paths on both sides for movement. The best time to explore is outside rush hours when traffic is lighter and you can observe the structure more easily.

The bridge was built using a special construction method that employed artificial islands to place the concrete supports with precision. This innovative technique allowed engineers to create a stable structure spanning the wide river.