Bald Hills interchange upgrade proposal is a gem

A diverging diamond interchange, only the second in Queensland, has been proposed as a means of tackling congestion at a north Brisbane intersection.

An image showing the current Strathpine Rd/Gympie Arterial Rd interchange which connects with Hoyland St at Bald Hills. Source: Google Maps

A DIVERGING diamond interchange, only the second in Queensland, has been proposed as a means of tackling congestion at a Bald Hills intersection.

The upgrade has been proposed for the Strathpine Rd/Gympie Arterial Rd interchange, which connects with Hoyland St.

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If it goes ahead, it will be the second diverging diamond interchange in the state, after one currently under construction at Caloundra Rd/Bruce Highway.

An artist impression of the proposed Strathpine Rd/Gympie Arterial Rd diverging diamond interchange. Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the interchange was “a good option for at-grade separated locations (where roads are different heights) where there is a high number of right-turn movements such as the Strathpine Rd-Gympie Arterial Rd interchange”.

“The interchange currently experiences high levels of vehicle movement, with 20,000 vehicles per day,” he said.

“It plays an important role connecting the major activity centre of Strathpine and growth areas west of the Bruce Highway with the arterial road network.

“A benefit of this (diverging diamond) interchange is right-turning traffic will not have to give way to opposing traffic.

“It also decreases the number of traffic signal movements, making the intersection both safer and more efficient.

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“This type of interchange can also be cheaper to build and has less land impacts on residents compared to a traditional interchange because it requires a smaller footprint.”

The spokesman said no homes were expected to be resumed for the upgrade.

State Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said a diverging diamond interchange was easy to navigate and was a solution that had been used successfully overseas.

“Motorists travelling in the area know just how frustrating the overpass can be during rush hour,” Mr Mellish said.

“Through a diverging diamond design, traffic is switched to the other side of the road meaning right-turning traffic doesn’t have to line up and give way to opposing traffic.”

The State Government has committed $2 million for the project’s design.

Community engagement will occur until June, with a final design to be announced later this year.

The TMR spokesman said funding for construction would compete with statewide priorities.

For more information on the proposed upgrade, visit tmr.qld.gov.au/StrathpineGympie