Trains will delay less traffic under Brisbane overpass plans

A third overpass of a Brisbane rail crossing has moved closer to construction after community consultation led governments to agree on the design – if not the funding.

The Australian and Queensland governments on Wednesday released the final design for the four-lane Acacia Ridge overpass to replace the problematic Boundary Road rail crossing.

Final designs for the Boundary Road rail crossing at Acacia Ridge have finally been chosen after community consultation and construction will begin in 2023.Credit: Queensland and Australian governments

Such works have also been a priority for Brisbane City Council, and are intended to keep traffic and trains moving without disruption.

Boundary Road is a major arterial road running between Salisbury through to Archerfield that is frequently stopped by trains running between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and Beenleigh.

However, an additional $93 million must be found from the three levels of government before construction of the Acacia Ridge overpass can begin in 2023.

Local federal and state Labor MPs, Graham Perrett and Peter Russo, had released two options for feedback and found 65 per cent of people preferred the design with an elevated, three-way intersection at Orange Grove Road.

“This level crossing is one of the worst traffic pinch points for locals heading to work or taking the kids to school,” Perrett said.

“It doesn’t only slow us down, but it’s unsafe.”

“I’m pleased we can today reveal the preferred design based on community feedback that will progress to the next stage of detailed work.”

Final designs for the Boundary Road rail crossing at Acacia Ridge has finally been chosen after community consultation and construction will begin in 2023.Credit: Queensland and Australian governments.

Russo suggested the chosen design “offers significant benefits to drivers, as well as train commuters, bike riders and walkers through the Coopers Plains area which is a significant win the whole community.”

Brisbane City Council’s civic cabinet chair for infrastructure Andrew Wines said council would provide $40 million towards the project.

“Level-crossing upgrades are important, to improve the safety of road and rail users and to help bust congestion,” he said.

“Our $40 million commitment to the Boundary Road open level crossing remains on the table and we hope the state and federal governments can strike a deal on the remaining funds to get this important project going.”

The three levels of government have contributed $306 million for the $399 million project but still have to determine how to make up the shortfall.

While negotiations are continuing, a Queensland government spokesman said “construction is dependent on obtaining the funding identified by the business case”.

Earlier this month, the Queensland government settled its differences with to allow the Beams Road rail overpass to go ahead.

The Beams Road rail crossing, between Carseldine and Aspley topped a decade-old Deloitte list of rail crossings to be removed. The Boundary Road crossing at Acacia Ridge was second.