Next step in the second bridge process

By Sheree Hoddinett  

They say good things come to those who wait and this definitely applies in the case of the long-awaited second Bribie bridge. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads website has the current status listed as:  

• The project has now progressed into the detailed design phase. 

• The Queensland Government is undertaking a series of investigations and surveys to inform the detailed design of the new bridge. These activities include hydrological and marine surveys within the Pumicestone Passage to assess seabed and waterway conditions. 

• Further works include geotechnical drilling, on-road and underground service surveys, environmental assessments, and other technical studies. 

• All works are planned to minimise community disruption, with advance notice provided for upcoming activities and potential impacts. 

• Throughout the detailed design phase, investigation outcomes, environmental data and engineering analysis will be incorporated into the evolving design.  

• Project updates will be published as new milestones are reached. 

As we already know, the existing bridge structure will continue to support traffic for the foreseeable future and will be retained as a traffic asset, carrying two westbound lanes. The new bridge will deliver two eastbound traffic lanes, along with a dedicated active transport path for cyclists, pedestrians and mobility device users significantly improving safety and accessibility for the community. To support this, surrounding road infrastructure will be upgraded to accommodate four lanes of traffic travelling to and from Bribie Island. 

The Bribie Island bridge upgrade forms part of the Caboolture–Bribie Island Road Upgrade Program, a critical investment to improve safety, connectivity and reliability for residents. 

State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the whole project was about delivering for a growing community. 

“This is about making sure our community stays connected, reducing congestion, improving safety and ensuring emergency access when it matters most,” Ms Doolan said. “Seeing the Old Toorbul Point Road to Saint Road upgrade delivered ahead of schedule shows what’s possible when we focus on delivery and this next phase will continue that momentum.” 

The project, including the new bridge, is being delivered in stages, targeting key congestion points and improving emergency access to and from Bribie Island. 

This work is already well underway, with Stage 1 the Old Toorbul Point Road to Saint Road upgrade, delivered ahead of schedule in March this year, widening Caboolture–Bribie Island Road to a four-lane dual carriageway. 

Design is now progressing for Stage 2, which will duplicate the road from west of Hickey Road to west of King Johns Creek, expanding it from two lanes to four lanes. 

The detailed design for the new bridge is currently out to tender and will be awarded to a construction company in due course. 

For further updates, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/caboolture-bribie-island-road-bribie-island-bridge-planning