Concept plans released for next Bribie Island Bridge

• The Bribie community can now see the proposed concept design for the next Bribie Island bridge.
• The concept design includes a new bridge with two eastbound traffic lanes and a wider active transport path, with two westbound traffic lanes planned for the existing bridge.
• The proposed design will improve traffic flow, better support active transport and provide an alternate option if one bridge becomes cut.

The community can now have their say on concept designs for a new Bribie Island Bridge.

The design includes a new bridge with two eastbound traffic lanes and a much wider active transport path, while the existing bridge would be retained to take two westbound traffic lanes.

The proposal would deliver a safer, more reliable connection to the mainland, while meeting present and future transport needs.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is currently preparing a business case for the new bridge as part of wider upgrades along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.

The concept design includes widening the road to four lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue as well as realigning the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection for safer turns.

The new bridge has wider lanes and shoulders and can provide a safer and reliable stand-alone connection for two-way traffic and active transport if the existing bridge is closed due to an incident, emergency or maintenance.

Crossing points on the road approaches enable traffic to transfer between bridges if required when incidents or maintenance works occur.

Pelican perches overhanging the water are included on both bridges.

Community input and technical investigations were taken into account in developing the concept design. Feedback emphasised the importance of improved access, safety, and reduced congestion, with concerns raised about emergency service access and the narrow bike and pedestrian path.

The proposal retains the iconic existing bridge long-term, reducing costs and environmental impact compared to constructing a new four-lane bridge.

Funding for detailed design and construction will be considered in the future against other transport infrastructure priorities across the state.

The community is invited to share their thoughts on the proposed concept design through TMR's online consultation page from today until 11 March 2024. The consultation will be supported by a newsletter to surrounding communities and information sessions.

For more details on the bridge and to have your say, visit: www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bribie-island-bridge

 Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“We have heard the community’s calls for a new bridge to Bribie Island to improve access for emergency services and to provide a reliable connection to work, education, recreation, and community services.

“TMR has assessed the options to develop a sustainable solution that considers community feedback and meets the long-term needs of our transport network.

“A detailed assessment found that the existing bridge can continue to be used for traffic, which reduces the width of a new bridge and the resulting costs and impacts to build it.

“Importantly, traffic can transfer between bridges to help manage incidents, emergencies and maintenance when required.

“The new active transport path separated from traffic will transform the way pedestrians, bike riders and mobility devices access the bridge.

“The shared path will be located on the northern side of the new bridge allowing for views of the Glass House Mountains and Pumicestone Passage.

“We want to know what the community thinks about the proposed designs and welcome their feedback either online, on the newsletter or at our upcoming drop-in sessions.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Pumicestone Ali King:

“This was an election commitment - I am thrilled to release concept designs for a landmark new Bribie Island bridge and kick off the consultation for locals to have their say.

“Our community told me loud and clear they want the security of a new bridge in case our existing bridge is blocked, they want a better active transport path across the Pumicestone Passage, and they want planning for the roads either side of the bridge to improve traffic flow.

“Our Bribie Bridge is iconic, but Bribie has grown over the last 60 years and we need this key infrastructure upgraded to meet our community’s needs into the future.”

Quotes attributable to City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery:

“There is a critical need for a multi-lane connector to improve safety and reliability for locals and visitors.

“We welcome the concept designs, including an active transport link we were keen to see realised, and see this as a positive step forward in making travel to the island safer, more sustainable, and reliable. 

“With many of Bribie’s residents commuting to work and other services across the bridge, a simple car breakdown or accident can cause hours of delay.

“Not only is this a major inconvenience but it’s a serious safety issue.

“Bribie Island is also City of Moreton Bay’s most popular destination for tourists, welcoming over 820,000 visitors a year, so this new bridge is vital.

“I encourage locals to be part of this next phase of planning for this key piece of road infrastructure in City of Moreton Bay.”

Key features:

• New two-lane, eastbound traffic bridge with road shoulders and separated active transport path
• Existing bridge to provide two westbound traffic lanes.
• Crossing points on the road approaches to transfer traffic between the bridges if required
• Improved resilience due to the ability manage incidents or maintenance by running two-way traffic on either bridge if required.
• Realigned Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection to provide safer turns
• Widening Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to provide four lanes from Bestmann Road East to Benabrow Avenue.
• Traffic signals at Sandstone Point Hotel access.
• Active transport path connections on the island and the mainland.
• Pelican perches that overhang the water on both bridges.

ENDS

Media contact: James Kleeman - 0466 620 176