'Critical' $150m Brisbane road upgrade's 'fast-track' plagued by confusion

A huge multimillion-dollar upgrade to one of the Brisbane region's busiest intersections is due to start soon but the State and Federal MP behind the project are struggling to agree on when.

Upgrades to Deception Bay Rd interchange are due to begin mid 2020.

THERE is confusion over when the promised Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade is due to start.

Design is underway for the $150 million project which will see Deception Bay Rd and New Settlement Rd upgraded.

Federal LNP MP for Petrie Luke Howarth said he was “extremely disappointed” to hear that works had been delayed until 2020 but state Labor MP for Bancroft Chris Whiting said it was always planned to begin mid next year.

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS + JABRA WIRELESS HEADPHONES

“Construction is scheduled for completion in 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting,” Mr Whiting said.

“We have fast-tracked planning for this critical section, allowing for construction to begin in 2020.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PLEDGES MONEY FOR DECEPTION BAY RD UPGRADE

“The project is funded on an 80:20 basis with the Australian Government contributing $120 million and the State Government contributing $30 million.”

The funding was announced in 2017.

The multimillion-dollar project includes two new parallel bridges over the highway and removal of the existing two-lane bridge, upgrading two signalised intersections on Deception Bay Road, one immediately west of the interchange at Old Gympie Road and one immediately east of the interchange at Eastern Service Road, increasing the length and capacity of existing entry and exit ramps and active transport facilities for pedestrians and bike riders.