Design revealed for $150 million Deception Bay Road interchange project

Work is finally due to start on a major upgrade along the Bruce Highway, north of Brisbane – three years after the funding was announced. But it will be some time before motorists can use it.

Upgrades to the Deception Bay Road interchange are proposed to ease congestion. Photo: Steve Pohlner

The final designs for the $150 million Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade, north of Brisbane, have been released, ahead of construction starting next month.

Funding for the project, of which $120 million has come from the Federal Government and $30 million from the State Government, was announced in 2017.

$1 for 28 days: Full digital subscription

The intersection upgrade, which links motorists with the Bruce Highway and Sunshine Coast, is proposed to improve traffic flow and ease congestion.

The upgrade includes:

■ Two new parallel bridges over the highway to increase capacity

■ Longer on and off-ramps to improve safety for motorists entering and exiting the highway

■ Upgrades to the intersections to the east and west of the interchange

■ Increased bridge height over the Bruce Highway to avoid the need for high-vehicle detours

■ New infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists

Transport and Main Roads have released the latest design plans for the Deception Bay interchange upgrade.

Federal LNP MP for Petrie Luke Howarth said commuters would benefit “immensely” from the works.

“This is all part of the Federal Government’s record $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects getting Australians to where they need to be sooner and safer,” Mr Howarth said.

Acting Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister and State Labor MP for Morayfield Mark Ryan said the project formed part of the government’s $3.13 billion commitment to roads and transport in the fast-growing area, including the $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way.

CONFUSION OVER WHEN UPGRADE WILL START

State Labor MP for Bancroft Christ Whiting said he was pleased to see new bus bays, fauna fencing and footpaths included in the final design plans.

The project is expected to create almost 270 jobs.

Early works are due to start next month – this will include the relocation of water, sewerage, electricity and phone lines.

Major construction is expected to start mid-2020. It is not due to be completed until late 2022.

State Labor MP for Kurwongbah Shane King said the project would prepare the highway for the region’s future growth.

“Locals want action on roads and transport. This is another example of the congestion tackling infrastructure and local jobs the Queensland Government is delivering,” Mr King said.