New bridge to open this week

The huge $163 million Deception Bay Rd interchange upgrade has reached a major milestone.

This week the first bridge across the Bruce Highway is opening to traffic as the huge project, which started in October 2020, stays on track to be completed in early 2023.

It includes building two new parallel bridges, upgrading two signalised intersections on Deception Bay Rd, expanding existing entry and exit ramps and providing for those on foot and riding.

Jointly funded by Federal and State Governments on an 80/20 split, the upgrade is seen as a “key” to improving travel times and safety, as well as helping the local economy.

Improve travel

“The opening of the first of two new overpass bridges is a key step towards completing this major interchange upgrade,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.

“The new overpass will improve connectivity and travel times for motorists accessing local roads around Deception Bay and Narangba and improve access for people walking and riding bikes.”

Construction of the 110-metre-long bridge involved huge earthworks including boring 23 piles, moving 36 girders, and pouring about 2000 cubic metres of concrete.

“The Australian Government has also invested $9 million to resurface the Bruce Highway at Narangba on either side of the Deception Bay Rd interchange, with works to start in coming weeks,” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said.

Resurfacing work

“Crews will resurface both sides of the highway from the Uhlmann Rd overpass, Burpengary East to just south of the Frawley Ave overpass, Narangba from early April.”

“These works are expected to take about 14 weeks, weather and construction conditions permitting, and will also include resurfacing the on and off-ramps.”

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said: “We’re also delivering $530 million to the $662.5 million Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way project, which is under construction.

“This project will upgrade around 11 kilometres of the Bruce Highway from a four-lane to a six-lane divided carriageway and replace 10 bridges, significantly improving safety, flood immunity and travel times.”

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-deception-bay-road-interchange.