New Bribie Island $4m bridge plan divides locals

The design for an additional bridge connecting Bribie Island to the mainland was revealed on Thursday, with residents divided over the plan. SEE THE PICTURES

The bridge will cost $4m and be used for motorists and pedestrians. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Bribie Island locals are divided over plans for a new $4m bridge for exiting traffic questioning the cost and the time frame of the project.

The design for an additional bridge connecting Bribie Island to the mainland was revealed on Thursday.

While there is no set date for construction, the second bridge will offer two lanes for traffic heading towards the island, with the existing bridge catering to those leaving the island.

Pumicestone MP Ali King unveiled the new plans on her Facebook page on Thursday afternoon.

Concept images for a second bridge connecting Bribie Island to the mainland. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“Bribie locals told me loud and clear that they want our iconic bridge protected,” she said.

“They want better transport, safety in case of incidents that cut the bridge, they want our wildlife considered and these plans deliver on all of those issues.”

Not every resident was happy though, with some questioning the total projected cost for construction of the bridge.

“Feast your eyes on the $4 million dollar picture … the money would have been better spent on feeding the elderly or staff at the hospital,” one resident said.

Concept images for the bridge. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Plans for the new bridge were revealed on a local MP’s Facebook page. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Another added that a dedicated lane for emergency vehicles should be a priority.

“Maybe chop pedestrian section in half or better still put pedestrians underneath away from traffic and have a round jetty off in middle or maybe two,” the comment read.

When asked about how long the existing bridge could support traffic, Ali King stated that business case surveys determined the bridge is “fine for decades yet.”

Other locals have questioned how long it will take for the project to be completed.

“Been here 20 years and heard every year that it will be four lanes on Bribie Road. Still waiting. So how long will it be for the new bridge. 20 years again,” one resident commented.

Locals have concerns about the time frame and cost. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The existing bridge was constructed in 1963, with only two lanes connecting Bribie Island to the mainland. Traffic incidents on the existing bridge have blocked access to the island in the past, with the additional bridge expected to help alleviate congestion and provide an additional way off the island if access to the existing bridge is compromised.

Residents can give feedback on the design until March 11 on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.