The excavations are supported by concrete retaining walls, faced in fine stonework, creating dramatic approaches to the bridge and incorporating connecting staircases and a slip road between the two streets.

Once the area had been cleared of timber, factories were subsequently constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many along the river and on Montague Road (well below the high hill of Dornoch Terrace).

The building of these prestigious houses signifies the growth and increased wealth of the Highgate Hill area, in particularly along Dornoch Terrace.

The University of Queensland development was suspended during the Second World War, the St. Lucia Bridge project was subsequently postponed.

[1] The Dornoch Terrace Bridge in Highgate Hill is a distinctive landmark, which is highly visible from both northern and southern approaches along Boundary Street.

The northern view along Boundary Street undulates through corrugated iron roofed cottages and past local landmarks such as the Kurilpa Library clock tower.

[1] Located at the highest point in Boundary Street, the bridge's arch terminates powerful axial views along West End's main thoroughfare.

Looking south and upwards from the West End shopping area, the eye is led past the Kurilpa Library clocktower towards the bridge.

The abutments stand proud of the surrounding stone retaining walls and feature a plinth and impost painted in a contrasting green.

The off-form striated finish of the vault's soffit is evident beneath the paintwork, whereas other parts of the bridge appear to be rendered and painted.

The balustrade and abutment walls of the bridge are frequent targets for graffiti attacks and bear evidence of many attempts to paint over them.

[1] To facilitate pedestrian and vehicular movement between the two streets, a slip road and a series of staircases and ramps were integrated into the treatment of approaches to the bridge.

This is the only vehicular connection between Dornoch Terrace and Boundary Street[1] Near-vertical retaining walls rise from each side of the slip road.

The wall rising to Dornoch Terrace is surmounted by concrete capping and a simple painted post and rail fence.

[1] The retaining wall stepping down from the southern side of the bridge supports flights of stairs alternating with gentle ramps.

[1] The retaining wall between the stair and the adjoining property to the east comprises sections of brickwork and Brisbane Tuff ashlaring.

It combines exposed rock faces, vegetation, dry masonry closest to the bridge, and sections of fine stonework similar to that used on other embankments.

The Dornoch Terrace Bridge is part of a substantial road expansion / infrastructure project undertaken by the Brisbane City Council and is evidence of the 1930s proposal to connect West End and the University of Queensland at St Lucia.

It is important as an indication of a phase in Queensland's history when the value of education, and providing suitable academic institutions, was beginning to be recognised.

Consisting of substantial stone retaining walls, supporting pedestrian and vehicular paths and associated residential development, Dornoch Terrace Bridge is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places as it displays uncommonness in bridge design in Queensland as well as being an important community facility in the past and the present.