Beams Road bottleneck fix sees the light

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced $128 million to support a congestion-busting plan for Beams Road at Carseldine.

The Premier said the project would remove a notorious bottle-neck near the Carseldine train station.

“The local community and anyone who drives on Beams Road around Carseldine will have been caught at the bottleneck around the rail line,” the Premier said.

“Every time that boom arm goes down at the Beams Road level crossing, that means more time for people waiting in traffic.

“Local MP Bart Mellish has been pushing to see funding locked in for his community, and with Brisbane City Council and Federal Government also committed to it, now is the time for all levels of government to get this project moving.”

Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said the funding commitment was fantastic news for the local community.

“I’ve been pushing to fix the Beams Road Level Crossing since 2017, but as locals know this has been an issue for a generation” Mr Mellish said.

“The fact we now have a commitment from all three levels of government with dollars locked in budgets to get the job done is a tribute to the perseverance of the dedicated locals who continued making Beams Road a priority.

“I thank the Premier, Treasurer and Minister Bailey for listening to the community and backing us on Beams Road.

“This funding won’t just finally deliver a fix for the level crossing, but it will cover a precinct-wide plan for more commuter parking and upgrades to the surrounding road network.

“There are also opportunities ahead to build new public spaces and upgrade the road network as part of Carseldine Urban Village, so this project will build on that and transform how are community connects.”

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government would invest in strategic projects that demonstrate a clear benefit for the community.

“As we unite and recover from COVID-19, we want to make sure our investments will deliver for generations to come,” the Treasurer said.

The Palaszczuk Government’s $128 million investment in the Beams Road plan is supported by a $70 million commitment to the Beams Road upgrade from Brisbane City Council as outlined in their Budget this week and $50 million from the Federal Government.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said funding would deliver a precinct-wide transport plan.

“With funding committed in Brisbane City Council’s budget and Federally, we have a solid commitment to upgrade roads, remove the rail level crossing and build more parking spaces at Carseldine train station,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment will cover the majority of $248 million cost to deliver the Beams Road transport plan.

“Work on a business case for the level crossing removal will finish early next year, with construction to start later in 2021.

“We’ll keep the community informed each step of the way and, while they will have to wait a bit longer, the wait will be worth it.

“The good news is we have already completed the design for the $15 million expanded park n ride at Carseldine station, and I expect early works to start by the end of the year.”

For more information about the Beams Road project, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Beams-Road-Carseldine-rail-level-crossing

Media contact: Toby Walker – 0439 347 875