‘Extremely concerning’: What could happen if this bridge is widened

Some of the options raised if one of Brisbane’s busiest bridges is widened have been labelled “extremely concerning’’. Here’s what could happen.

A four-lane overpass could be built on top of Indooroopilly train station under one option flagged in a feasibility study into fixing bottlenecks on Walter Taylor Bridge.

The popular Jack Pesch green bridge, adjacent to Walter Taylor, could also be demolished and part of Witton Barracks Park resumed if the study, flagged by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner in March, was adopted.

The bridge and approach roads could even become part of a freight corridor according to the Council study, released under Right To Information.

None of the options might ever go ahead, and Council has consistently said any upgrade of Walter Taylor Bridge should be funded by the State Government.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey has strongly campaigned for a second bridge, but wants Council to pay for it.

Civic Cabinet Infrastructure Chair Councillor Andrew Wines labelled it a scare campaign by Tennyson Councillor, Nicole Johnston.

The Jack Pesch bridge. Picture: Chris McCormack

“Cr Johnston’s latest attempts to create unjustified alarm in the community helps no-one,’’ he said.

“A pre-feasibility study is being undertaken as part of an agreement with the State Government, but Council has no intention to demolish Jack Pesch Bridge, turn local roads into freight routes or seek the undergrounding of a train station.

“If any feasible options do emerge as a result of this study they will only be progressed after extensive consultation with local residents.’’

But Cr Johnston, whose ward covers the suburbs on the southern approach to the bridge, said she was “extremely concerned’’ such options could become reality.

“The Lord Mayor’s plan to turn Chelmer, Indooroopilly and surrounding suburbs into a freight route is an appalling idea that will damage the residential amenity of these gracious suburbs,’’ she said.

“The feasibility study to duplicate the Walter Taylor Bridge could have massive adverse impacts and it needs to be urgently revised to ensure trucks do not dominate suburban roads.

“The plan includes some strange ideas including demolishing the Jack Pesch green bridge and undergrounding Indooroopilly train station to feed traffic back into Coonan St, near Westminster St.

“These are far-fetched ideas that are out of touch with existing community use of this corridor.

“I’m extremely concerned the investigation of these ideas will turn into reality for residents on both sides of the bridge.’’

The study also notes that “all options result in sudden increases in traffic movements as currently diverted trips shift back to the corridor due to improved travel times”.

A detailed pre-feasibility study was funded in this year’s Budget.

Play equipment at Witton Barracks park.

State Greens MP Michael Berkman, who seat covers the northern approaches to the bridge, said duplicating it for private cars would just mean more traffic, heavy trucks, noise and fumes in Indooroopilly, Taringa and Toowong.

“We’re in the middle of a climate crisis, and traffic is worse than ever, so we need to prioritise fixing public transport ahead of more wasteful road spending,’’ Mr Berkman said.

“Does the LNP really want an ugly flyover above the much-loved Witton Barracks Park?

“The park would become a dead zone like the underside of the Riverside Expressway, but I’m campaigning to protect it.

“I’d like to see the LNP Council and Labor Transport Minister (Mark Bailey) justify knocking down the Jack Pesch Bridge to make room for more cars.

“A far better use of the millions in funding would be fixing public transport to maximise the use of our brilliant train line.

“I want to see faster links between Indro station and UQ (the University of Queensland) and the reopening of the Tennyson train line from Corinda to Yeerongpilly instead of more cars and traffic.’’