Construction of a new six-lane bridge over Brisbane’s Bruce Highway has begun as part of the Boundary Road interchange upgrade in Narangba to ease traffic and improve safety.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Federal Government has committed up to $80.3 million to deliver the much-needed project which will see the introduction of four through lanes for Boundary Road traffic, a dedicated pedestrian/cyclist pathway and upgraded on and off-ramps.
“The new bridge will transform this interchange by enabling cars, commercial vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians to more quickly and safely negotiate the intersection,” Mr Chester said.
“With more than 100 jobs being supported over the life of this project, the upgrade will also provide a welcome boost to the local economy.”
Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said the upgrade will help meet the future traffic needs of this rapidly-growing area of Brisbane.
“Substantially increasing the interchange’s capacity will make it easier for local residents, commuters and businesses to access the Bruce Highway as well as the residential and retail precincts in the Narangba and North Lakes area,” Mr Bailey said.
“It’s great to see both the Federal and Queensland governments working together to deliver important infrastructure that is also creating jobs in the Moreton Bay region.”
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the project would ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
“The Boundary Road bridge over the Bruce Highway carries approximately 20,000 vehicles every day – around 11,500 of which travel eastbound and 8,500 westbound,” Mr Howarth said.
State Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting said that peak-hour congestion had become a problem with so many vehicles using the existing two-lane structure to cross, enter or exit the Bruce Highway.
“This upgrade will see a huge increase in capacity at the interchange which will ease travel times for local residents,” Mr Whiting said.
State Member for Kallangur Shane King said work on installing the bridge’s pylons was expected to be completed soon.
“Construction is expected to be completed by early 2018, weather permitting,” Mr King said.
The Australian Government has committed up to $80.3 million to the $100.4 million project, with $20.1 million provided by the Queensland Government.
