Delay to Youngs Crossing flood fix

Work has been delayed on a flood fix for Youngs Crossing, with construction now to start later this year - almost 12 months later than expected.

The upgrade involves construction of a section of Youngs Crossing Road, spanning the North Pine River and Sideling Creek.

It covers 1km, comprising a new elevated bridge and roadway, and will be one of the biggest road infrastructure projects to be delivered by Moreton Bay Regional Council.

The work was originally expected to be in the second half of 2022, but council engineers have advised ‘given the size and scope of the construction works, it’s been an evolving process that has required some additional stages of planning and design’.

In a statement, a council spokesman said a large number of technical studies and investigations were required to finalise the final design following extensive community consultation on the project and road alignment.

“The final construction drawings will be completed in the next few months with the successful construction contractor due to be appointed mid-year,” the spokesman said.

“Prior to this, Energex will undertake some early works to relocate their infrastructure in the area so that there is no disruption to electrical supply during the major construction works.”

He said if construction started later this year, the project was expected to be completed in 2025 subject to the successful tenderer’s operational schedule.

“Another complicating factor is the capacity of the construction industry itself, which is currently struggling to meet demand and in some cases source materials,” he said.

Upgrading Youngs Crossing will provide flood immunity during heavy rain and subsequent water releases from North Pine Dam and Sideling Creek, preventing the road from closing and causing significant disruption.

Once completed, the upgrade will also increase traffic capacity, improve road safety, and reduce traffic delays and congestion on Youngs Crossing Rd.

The project is being supported by the Federal Government, with $32.75 million being provided through its Urban Congestion Fund program.

Project key features

• 1 per cent AEP flood immunity (a one per cent probability of flooding occurring at least once in any year)
• Pedestrian footpath and on-road cycle lanes
• Extensive landscaping and offset plantings
• Lookout south of bridge
• Upgrade and signalisation of Protheroe Rd intersection
• Signalisation of the bus depot/Youngs Crossing Park access intersection
• Upgraded access to the Pony Club
• 60km/hr speed limit

New Youngs Crossing/Dayboro Rd intersection

• Increased left turn capacity from Dayboro Rd into Youngs Crossing Rd
• Increased right turn capacity from Youngs Crossing Rd into Dayboro Rd (dual lanes)
• Raised central median island on Dayboro Rd to improve safety
• Guardrail on the southern side of Dayboro Rd
• On-road cycle lanes on all approaches
• On-demand pedestrian signals on left turn slip lanes and off-road shared pathways