Early works are set to begin for the Linkfield Road Overpass at Bald Hills, with the Queensland Government releasing $10 million in funding.
The project has a joint funding commitment by the Federal and Queensland governments of $176 million.
Overall, the Federal Government is investing more than $10 billion in the Bruce Highway including an additional $467 million committed in the recent Budget.
The newly released funding will allow the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to begin onsite activities in the coming months and forms part of the Queensland Government’s $50.5 million contribution to the jointly funded project.
Linkfield Road is a state-controlled arterial road that runs between Brendale and Fitzgibbon in North Brisbane. The overpass connects commuters and freight vehicles to several areas of South East Queensland via the Bruce Highway.
Early works will focus on public utility plant relocations, including approximately 350m of existing gas main.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the Federal Government is working with the Queensland Government to deliver a safer and better Bruce Highway with a federal investment of over $10 billion.
“That includes a $125.5 million commitment to the Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade, which connects commuters and freight vehicles to a number of areas including the rest of Queensland via the Bruce Highway,” Ms King said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, said that the Linkfield Road Overpass is a critical piece of infrastructure for road users in north Brisbane.
“TMR has investigated options to reduce traffic congestion at the overpass, improve safety and freight access, and make more provision for active transport,” Mr Mellish said.
“Residents of the Northside want transport solutions that reduce congestion and that is exactly what the State Government is delivering.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said that the Bruce Highway isn’t just a major commuter route, it’s also a vital freight link, and as more people choose to call Brisbane’s northern suburbs home, traffic will inevitably increase.
“That’s why we’re getting on with delivering the infrastructure upgrades that Brisbane needs,” Mr Chisholm said.
“Collaboration is the key to keeping up with this demand, and the Federal Government is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver this crucial road project.”
Image: Lev Kropotov/shutterstock.com
