Concept art of how the new Bribie Island Bridge will look in parallel with the existing one. Image: QLD TMR.
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has released a proposed concept plan for the new Bribie Island Bridge.
The release means the plan is now open for community comment from Bribie Island and mainland residents and bridge users.
The concept includes a new bridge with two wider eastbound lanes and a wider active transport path. The new bridge will run parallel to the existing one, which will be converted to two westbound traffic lanes. TMR says the new design will promote better traffic flow, and crossing points on the approaches will mean both bridges can be converted to an alternative two-way option if one of the bridges is cut or blocked.
TMR is now building a business case for the new bridge as part of additional upgrades along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road. These include widening the road to four lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue, and a realignment of the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection for safer turns.
The new bridge was designed after community input, specifically the importance of improved access, safety and reduced congestion, concerns about emergency service access and the current narrow bike and pedestrian path.
The community is invited to provide feedback on the concept design through TMR’s online consultation page at www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bribie-island-bridge until 11 March, 2024. This consultation will be supported by a newsletter to surrounding communities, and information sessions.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said the government had heard the community’s calls for a new bridge to improve access and provide a reliable connection to work, education, recreation, and community services.
“TMR has assessed the options to develop a sustainable solution that considers community feedback and meets the long-term needs of our transport network,” he said.
“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. 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.
“We want to know what the community thinks about the proposed designs and welcome their feedback either online, on the newsletter or at our upcoming drop-in sessions.”
Member for Pumicestone Ali King said she was thrilled to see the concept design released for community feedback.
“Our community told me loud and clear they want the security of a new bridge in case our existing bridge is blocked, they want a better active transport path across the Pumicestone Passage, and they want planning for the roads either side of the bridge to improve traffic flow,” she said.
“Our Bribie Bridge is iconic, but Bribie has grown over the last 60 years and we need this key infrastructure upgraded to meet our community’s needs into the future.”
