Preparations are under way for a new bridge to Bribie Island, and community members can help shape it.
Member for Pumicestone Ali King said plans for a proposed new bridge were outlined in a recently released business case.
“The Bribie Island bridge is an icon, but it’s also 60 years old and prone to traffic congestion,” she said via a media release from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“With more foot, bike and vehicle traffic using the bridge, it’s clear we need to improve access to and from Bribie Island.
“I want to make sure locals and visitors can spend less time driving and more time enjoying the great lifestyle in our beautiful part of Queensland.”
Ms King said technical investigations to help develop the new bridge’s concept design had started.
“A detailed assessment of the existing bridge began in November 2022, and crews will soon start geotechnical drilling in Pumicestone Passage to assess where a new bridge could be built,” she said.
“How to look after local pelicans will be a key consideration, and we will be working closely with wildlife specialists during the planning phase.
“I encourage anyone wanting to have their say on the future bridge to make your voice heard.”
The current bridge, spanning 831m, took two years to build and was opened in 1963.
There was a toll of 10 shillings for commuters, which allowed the bridge to be paid for by 1975, when the toll was halted.
Ms King said a new bridge would provide four lanes across the Pumicestone Passage, to and from Bribie Island.
“We know how important it is to improve transport connections to Bribie Island, so this is an important step forward,” she said.
The planning for the business case will consider opportunities to retain the existing bridge and add a new, two-lane bridge with improved pedestrian and bike rider facilities.
In this scenario, another two-lane bridge would eventually be required to replace the existing bridge.
A further alternative is an entirely new four-lane bridge.
The results of the detailed assessment of the existing bridge will be essential in determining its current condition, remaining life, maintenance and rehabilitation costs, and if continued use is a practical option.
A range of consultation opportunities are available including an online survey and interactive map, community consultation sessions, newsletter with a survey distributed to local properties and contacting the TMR project team on 1800 783 016 or Island.Bridge@tmr.qld.gov.au.
Community consultation, which is open until February 27, and more information can be found via Bribie Island bride planning.
Feedback will help develop a concept design to provide four lanes across Pumicestone Passage and consider the future of the existing bridge.
The concept design will be presented for further community comment in 2023.
Planning and preliminary design activities for the project are funded by the Queensland Government. Funding for new bridge construction will be considered in future funding rounds against other transport infrastructure priorities across the state.
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