The community is being asked to have a say on concept designs for a new Bribie Island Bridge.
The design includes a new bridge with two eastbound traffic lanes and a wider active transport path, while the existing bridge would be retained to take two westbound traffic lanes.
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Bart Mellish says the proposal would deliver a safer, more reliable connection to the mainland, while meeting present and future transport needs.
“We have heard the community’s calls for a new bridge to Bribie Island to improve access for emergency services and to provide a reliable connection to work, education, recreation, and community services,” he said.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is currently preparing a business case for the new bridge as part of wider upgrades along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.
The concept design includes widening the road to four lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue as well as realigning the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection for safer turns.
The new bridge has wider lanes and shoulders and can provide a safer and reliable stand-alone connection for two-way traffic and active transport if the existing bridge is closed due to an incident, emergency or maintenance.
Crossing points on the road approaches enable traffic to transfer between bridges if required when incidents or maintenance works occur.
Pelican perches overhanging the water are included on both bridges.
“TMR has assessed the options to develop a sustainable solution that considers community feedback and meets the long-term needs of our transport network,” said Mr Mellish.
“A detailed assessment found that the existing bridge can continue to be used for traffic, which reduces the width of a new bridge and the resulting costs and impacts to build it.
“Importantly, traffic can transfer between bridges to help manage incidents, emergencies and maintenance when required.”
He said community input and technical investigations were taken into account in developing the concept design. Feedback emphasised the importance of improved access, safety, and reduced congestion, with concerns raised about emergency service access and the narrow bike and pedestrian path.
The proposal retains the iconic existing bridge long-term, reducing costs and environmental impact compared to constructing a new four-lane bridge.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said there was a critical need for a multi-lane connector to improve safety and reliability for locals and visitors.
“We welcome the concept designs, including an active transport link we were keen to see realised, and see this as a positive step forward in making travel to the island safer, more sustainable, and reliable,” he said.
“With many of Bribie’s residents commuting to work and other services across the bridge, a simple car breakdown or accident can cause hours of delay.
“Not only is this a major inconvenience but it’s a serious safety issue.
“Bribie Island is also City of Moreton Bay’s most popular destination for tourists, welcoming over 820,000 visitors a year, so this new bridge is vital.
“I encourage locals to be part of this next phase of planning for this key piece of road infrastructure in City of Moreton Bay.”
Funding for detailed design and construction will be considered in the future against other transport infrastructure priorities across the state, said Mr Mellish.
The community is invited to share their thoughts on the proposed concept design through TMR’s online consultation page from today until 11 March 2024. The consultation will be supported by a newsletter to surrounding communities and information sessions.
For more details on the bridge and to have your say, visit: www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bribie-island-bridge.
