PM commits $7.5m for Bracken Ridge road upgrades

The Prime Minister has committed $7.5 million to three Bracken Ridge road projects as part of the federal government’s ‘congestion busting’ plan.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Member for Petrie Luke Howarth and Senator Amanda Stoker were in Bald Hills this morning to announce funding for road upgrades in Bracken Ridge. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

THE Prime Minister has committed $7.5 million to three Bracken Ridge road projects as part of the federal government’s ‘congestion busting’ plan.

The funding includes $5 million to upgrade Norris Rd between Telegraph and Bracken Ridge Rds, a further $1.5 million to upgrade the intersection at Barbour and Norris Rds, and $1 million to widen Hoyland St from two lanes to four between Kluver St and Bracken Ridge Rd.

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This morning’s announcement in Bald Hills also included $7.75 million to raise the level of the road at risk of flooding at Youngs Crossing, Lawnton and $50 million for upgrades on the Gympie Arterial Rd to meet a significant increase in vehicle traffic and improve the connection to the southern end of the Bruce Highway.

Looking over maps showing road upgrades for Bracken Ridge are Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Member for Dickson Peter Dutton, Senator Amanda Stoker and Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge. Picture: Annette Dew

It’s the second major Coalition funding announcement for roads in the southern end of Petrie in less than two months.

In December the Prime Minister announced a $100 million commitment to fund 80 per cent of works to duplicate the Linkfield Rd overpass at Bald Hills.

This followed an announcement in August 2018 by the federal ALP, which committed $60 million to duplicate the overpass.

Today, Scott Morrison said a big part of the LNP’s economic plan announced on Tuesday was “about building the infrastructure that our communities need”.

“It’s a well thought through plan. It’s not only $50 million for the Gympie Arterial Rd but it’s smart because it deals with the intersections and access ways.”

Mr Morrison said the smaller connection roads and choke points were just as important.

This message was repeated by Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge, who acknowledged “Norris Rd is the main way people go from Bracken Ridge onto the Gympie Arterial”.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said he was really pleased the Federal Coalition Government was able to commit funding for the Bracken Ridge projects, which would be delivered in partnership with Brisbane City Council.

Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton was also pleased with the funding for Lawnton.

“This simple solution for Youngs Crossing will raise the level of the existing road and not extend it beyond the existing footprint,” Mr Dutton said.

“It will have no impact on the local environment or residents and retains all our wildlife corridors.”