$30 million boost for Moreton Bay’s motorists

Diamond days are on the way for motorists in the Moreton Bay region with a $30 million upgrade planned at the congested Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road interchange.

The Federal Government’s Urban Congestion Fund will jointly fund the upgrade with the State Government using a ‘diamond’ design for only the second time in Queensland.

Tenders are now open and the upgrade is expected to bring 65 jobs online during construction.

“This project, once completed, will provide a marked difference in travel time for the people of Bracken Ridge, Bald Hills and Strathpine commuting on Strathpine Road and Hoyland Street each day,” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth says.

The design has been used internationally, to increase traffic efficiency and safety and in Queensland, for the first time, at the new Caloundra Road and Bruce Highway interchange.

“With a diverging diamond design, traffic will be switched to the other side of the road, eliminating the need to cross the path of oncoming cars or wait for a green light to turn right onto Gympie Arterial Road,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.

“We know there’s a long road ahead when it comes to COVID-19, and that’s why we’re focussed on Queensland’s plan for economic recovery – a focus on infrastructure, jobs, industry and business.”

The upgrade model is also cost-effective and has less impact on residents compared to a traditional interchange because it needs a smaller footprint, Luke says.

“Further to the intersection upgrade at Strathpine Road, I have also secured federal funding for Brisbane City Council road works along Hoyland Street, Bracken Ridge,” Luke adds.

“This will extend the two lanes all the way through to Bracken Ridge Road, which will help ease congestion for local residents.”

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