Concept plans have been released for a new bridge connecting the mainland to Bribie Island.
The design includes a new bridge with two eastbound traffic lanes and a much wider active transport path, while the existing bridge would be retained to take two westbound traffic lanes.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said the infrastructure would be of great benefit.
“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 via a media release.
“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.”
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“The new active transport path, separated from traffic, will transform the way pedestrians, bike riders and mobility devices access the bridge.
“The shared path will be located on the northern side of the new bridge allowing for views of the Glass House Mountains and Pumicestone Passage.”
The community can now have their say on the designs.
TMR is preparing a business case for the new bridge, estimated at about 850m long, as part of 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.
Pelican perches, overhanging the water, are included on both bridges.
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.
Funding for detailed design and construction will be considered in the future.
TMR’s online consultation page will be available until March 11. The consultation will be supported by a newsletter to surrounding communities and information sessions.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the bridge was crucial for the fast-growing region.
“There is a critical need for a multi-lane connector to improve safety and reliability for locals and visitors,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Key features
- New two-lane, eastbound traffic bridge with road shoulders and separated active transport path
- Existing bridge to provide two westbound traffic lanes.
- Crossing points on the road approaches to transfer traffic between the bridges if required
- Improved resilience due to the ability manage incidents or maintenance by running two-way traffic on either bridge if required.
- Realigned Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection to provide safer turns
- Widening Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to provide four lanes from Bestmann Road East to Benabrow Avenue.
- Traffic signals at Sandstone Point Hotel access.
- Active transport path connections on the island and the mainland.
- Pelican perches that overhang the water on both bridges.
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