State Budget commits $25m to overpass duplication

The $125 million duplication of a north Brisbane overpass is one step closer after the State Government committed the final $25 million for the project.

Traffic on Linkfield Rd looking west towards the Gympie Rd intersection. Picture: AAP/Josh Woning

THE $125 million duplication of a north Brisbane overpass is one step closer after the State Government committed the final $25 million for the project.

The upgrade to the Linkfield Rd overpass at Bald Hills has already received a $100 million commitment from the federal government.

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The overpass currently forces vehicles to merge from two lanes to one before the Gympie Arterial Rd on-ramp and is notorious for traffic congestion.

Member for Aspley Bart Mellish at the site for the planned upgrade for the Linkfield Rd on-ramp at Bald Hills.

State Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said he was pleased to announce the $25 million investment from the State Budget for the jointly-funded duplication.

“Locals know just how frustrating rush hour traffic is on this interchange, with vehicles moving in all sorts of directions,” Mr Mellish said.

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“We’re already taking immediate, interim action to ease traffic pressures on Linkfield Rd, with the construction of a dedicated left-turn lane for motorists heading north towards the Bruce Highway soon to be underway.

“With this funding contribution, the Palaszczuk Government will be able to start a detailed business case as soon as possible for this overpass.”

December 2018: Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Member for Dickson Peter Dutton and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack at a press conference announcing a $100 million commitment to the Linkfield Rd overpass. Picture: AAP /Dan Peled

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the announcement was “fantastic news”.

“We need to get this built for local people,” he said.

“The Federal Government has the 80 per cent there and, if the State Government is now providing the 20 per cent, I’m very happy with that.”

Mr Howarth said the State Government was responsible for delivering the upgrade and he hoped the project would proceed quickly.

“What I’m concerned about is how long will it take. Normally I would expect, at the very latest, it should start construction in two years, so this should be well underway by July 2021.

“I can get the money as soon as they are ready to go, but we do need it to start sooner rather than later.”

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In announcing the federal government’s contribution in December, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the upgrade was a congestion busting project to ensure local motorists weren’t stuck in traffic while doing the school run and travelling to and from work.

The $100 million commitment followed a petition launched in March last year by federal LNP members Luke Howarth (Petrie) and Peter Dutton (Dickson), calling on the State Government to prioritise funding for the upgrade. The petition gained 4000 signatures.