How do bridges impact communities?

Despite these long-term benefits, bridge projects often begin with short-term disruption. Construction can bring noise, traffic delays and temporary loss of access. These inconveniences, while frustrating, are part of a broader process that ultimately delivers lasting value. Infrastructure development is rarely seamless, but the legacy it leaves behind — enhanced connectivity and improved quality of life — is enduring.

Delivering a bridge project that truly benefits its surrounding communities requires thoughtful planning and inclusive design. Aesthetics, accessibility and environmental sensitivity are just as important as structural integrity. Each has the capacity to reflect the potential of the communities they connect.

Successful bridge design considers the long-term impact on the surrounding area. This includes how the bridge integrates with existing transport networks, how it enhances public spaces and how it contributes to the visual identity of the location. In cities across Australia, for example, bridges have become iconic landmarks that define the urban landscape and serve as gathering places for residents and visitors alike.

To reduce negative impacts and maximise positive outcomes, several approaches can be taken:

When these methods are applied, bridges fulfill their functional purpose as well as contribute meaningfully to the social and cultural fabric of the communities they serve.

GHD’s bridge projects around the world demonstrate the power of thoughtful design and inclusive planning.

One standout example is the 390 m long cable-stayed Eleanor Schonell Bridge which provides a vital connection between west- and south Brisbane with the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Saint Lucia Campus in Brisbane.

Designed to connect key parts of the campus, this bridge enhances the surrounding public space, encouraging walking, recreation and social interaction. Its elegant design complements the natural environment and contributes to the campus’s identity.

The iconic Pooley Bridge is a stainless-steel traffic bridge designed by GHD in the UK — built in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge is a 40 m single span open-spandrel arch bridge utilising a composite stainless-steel and concrete structure — the first of its kind in the UK. The bridge replaces the original Grade II listed 3-span stone arch, built in 1764, which was destroyed in flooding and served as a critical link in the daily life of the area locals.

The meaningful engagement process involved listening to the community and focusing on their common aspirations to conceive an unanimously supported design that met their aspiration for a high‐quality crossing to replace the bridge that gave name to the village.

In Ontario, Canada, GHD is playing a key role in the Garden City Skyway Twinning project as part of the Skyway Bridging Partners consortium. As a primary design partner, GHD is contributing its expertise in transportation engineering and infrastructure planning to support the design of a new 2.2-kilometre, four-lane bridge over the Welland Canal. This new bridge will carry Toronto-bound traffic and enable the rehabilitation of the existing Garden City Skyway. GHD’s involvement is helping to drive the project to completion to make sure the new structure meets future transportation needs while enhancing regional connectivity and reducing congestion.

These projects reflect a commitment to building infrastructure that serves both functional and social purposes. Embedding community considerations into every phase when delivering bridge projects can do more than span physical gaps; they can bridge social divides and unlock new possibilities.