[3] The opening of the bridge signalled the end of the popular cross-river ferry service between Dutton Park and St Lucia, which had been running since 1967.

Cut-off timers and remote operation features were also incorporated to reduce the amount of unnecessary lighting while still maintaining a safe environment for users.

[8][9] An independent panel, which included Brisbane historian and author Helen Gregory, University of Queensland academic Michael Keniger, architect Bill Corker of Denton Corker Marshall, and representative from the Lord Mayor's Youth Advisory Council Milindee Jeewandara, produced a shortlist of three names to Brisbane's Civic Cabinet from hundreds suggested by the public being: Eleanor Schonell Bridge, Hawken Bridge and University Bridge.

[citation needed] Although southside travellers previously had the option of boarding a cross-river ferry, the bridge has a far greater capacity.

The popularity of the bridge had initially proven troubling to Translink and the Brisbane City Council, with extra buses having to be put on to cater to the large number of commuters traveling to St. Lucia campus.

The Councillor for the local council ward of Tennyson, Nicole Johnston, whose electorate incorporates the Dutton Park side of the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, advocated a trial for private vehicular traffic.

The 109 started operation on 18 December 2006, and links UQ to the city via Annerley Road and the CBD end of the South East Busway.

[citation needed] On 24 October 2009, 21-year-old University of Queensland student Whitney Heuvel urged his friends to use a camera phone to film him jumping off the bridge.