Conceived as a response to high unemployment during the Great Depression, it also represented an opportunity to end the isolation of the residents of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

[2] Prior to the construction of the Hornibrook Viaduct, the Redcliffe Peninsula was accessed via two main methods of transport: ferry and road.

[2] These schemes favoured the construction of a new road link across Hays Inlet and the mouth of the South Pine River.

The onset of the financial depression of 1929–1933 gave Hornibrook the impetus to plan and construct a road viaduct across from Redcliffe to Sandgate.

Hornibrook believed a major project was needed to keep together the construction force built up by his company during twenty-five years of work.

[2] In 1931, Hornibrook approached the Queensland Government with a proposal to construct a toll bridge linking the southern part of Redcliffe with the Sandgate area.

After further consultation with the Queensland Government, an Act of Parliament was pushed through allowing for the involvement of private enterprise in the construction of toll facilities.

Continuing financial difficulties forced Hornibrook to attempt to re-finance the company to finish the work as planned by 1935.

[2] The Hornibrook Highway franchise was surrendered to the Department of Main Roads in 1975 after forty years of operation by the company.

An additional viaduct was authorised by the Main Roads Department in 1977 to cope with increasing traffic flows to and from the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Although the bridge was heritage-listed in 1994, concerns arose about the cost of ongoing maintenance and whether the Queensland Government or local councils should pay for it.

[4] The northern end of the bridge was officially reopened on 14 September 2011 as the Hays Inlet Fishing and Recreation Platform by Craig Wallace, Minister for Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure.

[5] The Hornibrook Highway was a major catalyst in accelerating the urban development of the Redcliffe Peninsula and its surrounding area.

It had identical rendered concrete portals at each end, and two rises along its length which permit small boats to pass underneath.

At each end, the first spans of the superstructure were constructed in ribbed reinforced concrete to protect the bridge from termites and fire.

The pylons have banded rusticated bases on concrete pedestals, with central slot windows with decorative grilles on three sides, surmounted by stepped vertical elements.

The spandrel is also banded, and has a rectangular central panel with the words "Hornibrook Highway" fashioned in raised brass lettering.

The portals contain toll facilities, comprising a small office and strong room with night safe in the base of the pylons at each end.

The Hornibrook Highway Bridge, constructed 1932–35, was one of the first road toll facilities in Queensland to be authorised by special act of parliament.

Its significance also lies in its relationship to the vision of its builder, Manuel Hornibrook, to develop the potential of the city of Redcliffe.

[2] In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Hornibrook Bridge was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a "structure and engineering feat".