An estimated 170,000 people walked across the new Gateway Bridge on Sunday.

An estimated 170,000 people walked across the new Gateway Bridge
last Sunday when it opened for foot traffic only.

Brisbane's new Gateway Bridge, which will be officially known as the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge, will open progressively this weekend.

But that depends on Mother Nature.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said four lanes should be opened by Monday.

"The southbound lanes of the new Sir Leo bridge will open in stages over the weekend and all going well, all four lanes should be open by Monday," he said.

Detours would be in place over the weekend at some stage, depending on the weather, to direct people to the new bridge.

"Detours will be in place from Friday night until the early hours of Monday morning for all southbound traffic on the Gateway from Nudgee to the new Sir Leo Bridge," Mr Wallace said.

"Southbound traffic will be directed to use the Old Gateway Motorway lanes at Nudgee this weekend, including motorists heading southbound to the Brisbane Airport."

Northbound traffic will be unaffected by the works.