Brisbane's Centenary Bridge is to be duplicated in time for the Olympics ©Getty Images

A duplication of the Centenary Bridge in Brisbane is set to begin its construction this year, with a completion date set for before the city hosts the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A new three-lane bridge between Jindalee and Kenmore will be built, while the existing structure is to be upgraded too.

Georgiou Group and BMD Constructions are to create the new highway, as confirmed by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

However, the cost is expected to increase by AUD53.5 million (£30 million/$36 million/€34 million), meaning the new total sits at AUD298.5 million (£169 million/$201 million/€192 million).

Opposition leader David Crisafulli called it a "blowout", criticising the two-year delay on the project, calling for it to get back on time and budget, according to the Brisbane Times.

Palaszczuk said the building of a new bridge will get the public "home safer and sooner".

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the new Centenary Bridge in Brisbane will get the public
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the new Centenary Bridge in Brisbane will get the public "home safer and sooner" ©Getty Images

Public transport advocates have criticised the move towards more roads and less priority over other infrastructure.

The new three-lane bridge will coincide with the existing one, acting as a northbound road towards Kenmore, while the existing two-lane bridge will be converted into a three-lane, with a path for active transport too.

Queensland Government officials estimate that approximately 85,000 vehicles use the bridge every day, believing this will increase to 152,000 a day in 2036 with the upgrade.

Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 at the International Olympic Committee Session two days before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.