By Sheree Hoddinett
If you’re holding out hope for another bridge to Bribie, you’ll have to wait a bit (or possibly a lot) longer. Another step has been made in the process, with consultancy firm AECOM selected to develop a business case for the project. Appointed in May this year, AECOM will carry out their business case with an expected completion date of mid-2024.
With the one and only bridge getting closer to its 60th birthday (originally built in 1963), current pedestrian and road traffic has shown continual growth and demand for a new bridge. There are just two lanes for road users and one pedestrian pathway, shared by foot traffic and bicycle users. Residents and regular visitors to the Island know all too well what happens if the current bridge becomes inaccessible, creating traffic chaos and flared tempers. The only other potential access to the Island is via watercraft or if you’re extremely talented and can potentially walk on water (we all know this isn’t an option!).
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, wants to assure locals that the existing bridge is structurally safe.
“We inspect and properly maintain the Bribie Island Bridge regularly, but it’s important we look into the future,” Mr Bailey said. “A new bridge will make travel to the Island safer, more reliable, and better cater for active transport, which we know is booming in the area. AECOM will build on previous projects that considered corridor options, confirm a preferred option and begin early design activities.”
The last study was undertaken in 2014 to identify corridor options for the existing bridge. Current planning will build on this existing study, with locals encouraged to take part in community consultation.
Although the state government has committed $4 million to planning and finalising a preferred option for a new bridge, funding for construction of the new bridge will be considered in future funding rounds against other transport infrastructure priorities across the state.
For more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/and search 'Bribie Island Bridge planning'.
**You can also add your name to Bridge Petition via our website www.islandandsurrounds.com/bridgepetition
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