Open level crossing projects delivered

Drivers are now enjoying two Open Level Crossing Replacement Projects delivered by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council months ahead of schedule.

Premier Campbell Newman joined Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk at Geebung to officially open the Robinson Road pedestrian overpass and announce that works were almost complete for the Telegraph Road overpass project at Bracken Ridge.

“I’m extremely pleased to see these key infrastructure projects delivered ahead of schedule, ensuring a safer drive for families,” Mr Newman said.

“We promised at the election that we would provide better infrastructure and planning for Queenslanders and together with the Brisbane City Council that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“Congestion at Geebung and Bracken Ridge will be reduced and safety improved for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists as part of our stronger plan for a brighter future.”

Minister Emerson said that the overpass bridges had already significantly eased northside traffic congestion.

“We’ve catered for our state’s growing needs, delivering the $199 million Geebung project and the $82 million Bracken Ridge project three months ahead of schedule,” Mr Emerson said.

“Previously the RACQ identified the two sites as Brisbane’s most notorious level crossings, with two fatalities recorded in recent years at Robinson Road and thousands of near misses at each of the rail crossings.

“Now Queenslanders – whether they’re drivers, pedestrians or cyclists – are travelling more safely and quickly.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said that the delivery of the two vital infrastructure projects demonstrated the commitment of Council and the Queensland Government to deliver better transport for Brisbane residents.

“The completion of these major projects has already seen significant benefits for a number of bus services, eliminating delays up to 15 minutes at both level crossings,” Cr Quirk said.

The Geebung overpass opened to traffic in March and pedestrians at the end of August. Two lanes of the Bracken Ridge overpass opened to traffic in May, with finishing touches on the additional two lanes expected to be complete in the coming weeks.

Both projects commenced in early 2013 and were jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, with the Geebung project delivered by GO Alliance and the Bracken Ridge project delivered by Bielby Hull Joint Venture.                                                                                              

[ENDS] 9 September 2014

Media Contact for Premier: Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351

Media Contact for Minister Emerson: Emily Arlidge 0455 063 989

Media Contact for Lord Mayor: Amanda Templeton 0403 614 799

FAST FACTS:

-          Up to 10,000 vehicles travel over the Robinson Road open level crossing a day.

-          Up to 16,000 vehicles travel over the Telegraph Road open level crossing a day.