Traffic congestion heading for the (Bald) Hills thanks to new diamond interchange

Construction has started on the $30 million upgrade to the Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road interchange at Bald Hills.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the start of works is welcome news for local motorists. 

“These works will transform the current interchange into a diverging diamond interchange to help bust congestion, improve travel times and bolster safety through the area,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Our $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan is continuing to deliver safer, more efficient journeys for Queenslanders – indeed for all Australians – while laying the foundations for the nation’s ongoing recovery from COVID-19.”

Once complete, the interchange will see traffic on Strathpine Road switched to the other side of the road, removing the need to cross the path of oncoming cars or wait for a green light to turn right to get onto Gympie Arterial Road.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade is an innovative solution to a notorious traffic bottleneck in the area.

"Congestion busting projects like this not only mean less time spent in the car, but they create local jobs and work for businesses through the supply chain to support Queensland's economic recovery," Mr Bailey said.

“Diverging diamond interchanges are an innovative design that have been used with great success internationally, and recently here in Queensland at the Caloundra Road interchange.

“Diverging diamond interchanges are not only cheaper to construct, but they reduce residential impacts, as they require a smaller footprint compared to a traditional interchange design."

Federal Member for Petrie, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, said this is an example of both governments working together to create jobs and economic stimulus while delivering the road infrastructure Queenslanders need to get home sooner and safer.

“This project is expected to support around 65 direct jobs over the life of the project – fantastic news at a time when maintaining jobs has never been more critical,” Mr Howarth said.

“This is just the latest example of the pipeline of works we are delivering for Queenslanders.

“Late last year we saw works get underway on a nearby upgrade to the jointly funded $163.3 million Deception Bay Road Interchange Upgrade project, as part of the game-changing $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.”

State Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said the interchange upgrade was one of several projects being delivered on the northside thanks to the partnership between the State and Federal governments.

“This interchange upgrade will mean traffic relief for the 20,000 people who use this road daily,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We’ve got funding locked in for the Beams Road level crossing upgrade and planning on the jointly funded $125 million Linkfield Road interchange upgrade is also continuing.

“There is plenty of work happening now and planned for the future, which means less congested roads for our communities and more jobs for our economy.”

“This is a great project for the local area, particularly for Bald Hills locals who have to battle this intersection twice a day,” Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said.

“It will mean locals can get home quicker and safer."

The upgrade is being delivered by Fulton Hogan, with construction expected to be completed in mid-2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The Australian and Queensland governments have committed to jointly fund this project on a 50:50 basis to bust congestion and improve motorist safety.

For more information:

• visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search 'Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road Interchange Upgrade'
• email metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au
• phone (07) 3066 4338 during business hours.

For up-to-date road condition information, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au.

Media contact:
Minister Fletcher: Imre Salusinszky | 0432 535 737 | Imre.Salusinszky@communications.gov.au
Minister Bailey: Toby Walker | 0439 347 875 | Toby.Walker@ministerial.qld.gov.au