Traffic hot spots receive congestion busting funds

Four traffic hot spots at Bracken Ridge and Carseldine will be upgraded under a joint commitment by the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council.

Traffic gridlock on Beams Rd at Carseldine could be a thing of the past. Picture: Darren England.

FOUR traffic hot spots at Bracken Ridge and Carseldine will be upgraded under a joint commitment by the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said they were rolling out targeted plans to fix the traffic bottlenecks “so residents can get home sooner and safer”.

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At Bracken Ridge, council and the Federal Government are jointly funding upgrades to Norris Rd, Hoyland St and at the Barbour Rd and Norris Rd intersection.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: Annette Dew

They are also jointly funding an upgrade on Beams Rd at Carseldine.

While open level crossings are a State Government responsibility, the Council has also committed $40 million towards the removal of the Beams Rd open level crossing.

Cr Schrinner said most of the projects were in the early investigation and planning stages.

“With the exception of the open level crossing, which requires a state funding contribution, all works are expected to begin within 12 to 24 months,” he said.

“Council will work with the community throughout the planning and delivery of these upgrades to ensure the best outcome for residents now and into the future.”

The Federal Government has committed $50 million for the Beams Rd upgrade, $5 million for Norris Rd, $1.5 million for the Barbour Rd/Norris Rd intersection and $1 million for Hoyland St.

Council has committed more than $40 million towards the upgrades.

PROJECT UPGRADES:

■ Barbour Rd and Norris Rd — upgrade intersection to improve safety and traffic flow.

■ Hoyland St — widen from two lanes to four between Kluver St and Bracken Ridge Rd.

■ Norris Rd — upgrade between Telegraph and Bracken Ridge Rds; may include pavement widening and safety improvements.

■ Beams Rd — upgrade between Lacey Rd and Handford Rd.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth welcomed the agreement and said getting these projects delivered for his constituents was a priority.

JANUARY ANNOUNCEMENT: 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

“I’ve worked with the community to secure the $57.5 million worth of Federal Government funding to fix Barbour/Norris Rd, Beams Rd, Hoyland St and Norris Rd and I’m grateful that Brisbane City Council is also prioritising these projects,” Mr Howarth said.

“Every extra day that local commuters are stuck in congestion or kept on our roads makes an impact to our economy but, more importantly, in their lives.

“As a dad and husband I know how important it is to be able to spend quality time with your family and as a Government we’re funding projects like these so that we can make sure that local families are getting home sooner and safer.”

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The State Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has committed $400,000 for a planning study in relation to the Carseldine level rail crossing on Beams Rd.

A TMR spokesperson said the study would investigate options to reduce congestion and address safety concerns.

“About 260 people supplied feedback during the consultation process through an online survey, email and during the information session,” the spokesperson said.

“Community feedback has helped to inform the planning study and this feedback has been used to identify feasible options to address safety and congestion issues.

“The planning study is being finalised and the outcomes will inform future stages of the project.”

Future stages are also dependent on funding availability.

Cr Schrinner said he hoped the State Government realised the removal of the Beams Rd crossing, and another two in the city, was “key to get Brisbane moving and prioritises the planning, funding and delivery of these much-needed projects”.