The Queensland Government has released the summary business case for a new proposed bridge on Bribie Island, north of Brisbane.
Bribie Island is the smallest and most northerly of three major sand islands forming the coastline sheltering the northern part of Moreton Bay.
The existing Bribie Island bridge was constructed in 1963 and consists of two traffic lanes and a narrow pedestrian pathway.
The business case shows the existing bridge is structurally sound and suitable to carry traffic but confirmed the need to improve access to Bribie Island, as well as address growing safety issues experienced due to the existing narrow, two-way bridge.
The proposal for a new bridge forms part of the Queensland Government’s broader strategy to upgrade the Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to a four-lane standard.
The new bridge would feature two eastbound traffic lanes and a dedicated active transport path for bicycle riders, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices.
The active transport path on the northern side of the bridge will improve safety and useability, and offer uninterrupted views of the iconic Glass House Mountains.
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Intersection upgrades are also proposed at Sylvan Beach Esplanade and the Sandstone Point Hotel entrance, along with lane duplication to Bestmann Road East and crossing points to divert traffic between bridges to maintain traffic flow when required.
The Queensland Government will now consider the assessment and timeframes for funding, detailed design, and construction.
Over 4000 comments were received as part of community consultation, which was held in two phases – in early 2023 to assist development of a concept design, and in early 2024 to comment on the proposed concept design.
Member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, welcomed the release of the summary business case.
“We’ve long recognised the difficulties our residents, businesses, and visitors experience when incidents occur on the existing bridge, causing lane closures and delays,” Doolan said.
“A future upgrade is needed to improve access to Bribie Island, and it is reassuring to know that the existing bridge has the structural integrity to continue to carry traffic for the foreseeable future.
To view the business case summary, click here.
