The bridge, destined to become something of a landmark for Brisbane’s inner south, will stretch 480 metres over passenger and freight rail lines, connecting places that have been divided by the railway junction.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called on the local community to nominate names for the new bridge which will help an estimated 22,000 commuters a day access the PA Hospital and the emerging health, science and education precinct surrounding it.

“Linking our public transport system with the hospital, new high school and the new science and education precinct will make it easier for many locals to get to work and access essential services,” she said.

It will for part of the supporting infrastructure for Queensland’s biggest ever building project, the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail.

Work on the bridge is expected to begin in March, with a construction timeline of about 18 months.

It will use a cable stay design, with a main deck about 20 metres above the ground and a spire about 45 metres high. There will be lifts at either end of the bridge as well as dedicated cycle and pedestrian lanes.

“This bridge is part of Cross River Rail works at Boggo Road, along with one of the project’s four new underground stations,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.

“The bridge and the new station it connects to will see Boggo Road become South East Queensland’s second busiest transport interchange.”