Queensland Government gets locals to have say on new Bribie Island bridge

A mega upgrade or replacement for the bridge connecting Bribie Island to the mainland could be on the way after 60 years.

A mega upgrade or replacement for the 60-year-old Bribie Island bridge is a step closer with the attention now turned to residents on a possible fix for the accident-prone landmark.

The Queensland Government has opened community consultation about the proposal to upgrade the existing bridge and add a new two-lane bridge, with improved pedestrian and bike facilities, or construct an entirely new four-lane bridge.

A detailed assessment of the existing bridge started in November last year and crews will soon start geotechnical drilling in Pumicestone Passage to assess where a new bridge could be built.

The concept design will be presented for further community comment this year.

Member for Pumicestone Ali King said plans for a proposed new bridge were outlined in a recently released business case.

The Bribie Island bridge is 60 years old and the Queensland Government is keen to see it upgraded or have a new bridge constructed. Picture: Dan Moore

“The Bribie Island bridge is an icon but it’s also 60 years old and prone to traffic congestion,” she said.

“With more foot, bike and vehicle traffic using the bridge, it’s clear we need to improve access to and from Bribie Island.

“I want to make sure locals and visitors can spend less time driving and more time enjoying the great lifestyle in our beautiful part of Queensland.”

However in 2014, the LNP-led state government released a concept plan to build a four-lane bridge about 15m north of the existing bridge but an election loss halted that plan.

Ms King said a new bridge would mean four lanes across the Pumicestone Passage to and from Bribie Island.

“How to look after local pelicans will be a key consideration and we will be working closely with wildlife specialists during the planning phase,” she said.

“I encourage anyone wanting to have their say on the future bridge to make your voice heard.

“We know how important it is to improve transport connections to Bribie Island, so this is an important step forward.”

MP for Pumicestone Ali King said access to and from Bribie Island needs to be improved. Picture: Liam Kidston

In November last year long-term Bribie Island residents voiced their concerns the island could become overcrowded if another bridge was built.

Other residents believed the future of the island is grim without a new bridge, with Jeff Bear writing the island might “be like Noosa bumper to bumper traffic no where to park” within the decade.

The existing Bribie Island bridge was constructed in 1963 and consists of two traffic lanes and a pedestrian pathway.

It is the only road link between Bribie Island and the mainland.

While previous inspections confirmed the existing bridge is structurally safe, continued population growth is increasing the demand for a new bridge.

Locals enjoying the water around the Bribie Island bridge, which is the only connection between Bribie Island the mainland with accidents plaguing traffic in recent years.

In May 2022, the Queensland Government appointed AECOM consultancy to develop a $4 million business case, which is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Funding for the works on a new bridge has not been confirmed, with the project having to compete against other priorities across the state.

The bridge has been a perennial election issue, with the LNP promising in 2020 to spend about $3 million on concept planning for a new crossing as part of a $20 million package of works to upgrade Bribie Island Rd.

The business case for a new bridge is part of the Queensland Government‘s strategy for progressive upgrades to provide four lanes along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.

A study was undertaken in 2014 to identify a corridor for the new bridge and considered options to the north and south of the existing bridge.

The LNP and it’s then leader Deb Frecklington during the 2020 election, promised to spend $3 million on concept planning for a new Bribie Island crossing. Picture: Sarah Marshall

The Department of Transport website says the business case will build on previous studies and technical investigations and community consultation will inform development of a concept design.

Funding for new bridge construction will be considered in future funding rounds against other transport infrastructure priorities across the state.

Community consultation is open until February 27.

Federal LNP Member for Longman Terry Young said he is looking forward to the results of the public consultation process to see how the people of Bribie feel about the proposed bridge.

“My understanding is the bridge has a life span if 75 years meaning something has to be done by the mid 2030’s,” Mr Young said.

“The feedback from the community to me has been very mixed as there are those who want four lanes as they are concerned about being isolated if there is an accident on the existing or future two-lane bridge. “Those opposed to it are concerned that it will encourage more people to come to Bribie and exacerbate traffic issues and they ask where do they go once they are over?

“Many in the business community are keen to see more people for obvious business reasons.

“It will be an interesting debate for sure.”