Congestion is easing and safety has been improved on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, at the Old Toorbul Point Road intersection, after the completion of the latest upgrade along the busy route.
The Australian Government has committed $30 million alongside the Queensland Government's $28.35 million investment to improve safety and traffic flow along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the intersection upgrade was the first package of works delivered under the Bribie Island Road Upgrade Strategy.
"This project delivered new traffic signals, extra through lanes and dedicated turning lanes to make journeys safer and easier for motorists," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"The completion of works marks a major milestone as we continue to deliver benefits for the thousands of road users travelling along this key road corridor."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade would improve safety and efficiency for drivers, particularly those entering and exiting Old Toorbul Point Road.
"We've expanded Caboolture-Bribie Island Road from two to four lanes approaching the intersection to increase capacity," Mr Bailey said.
"To complement the additional lanes, new signals and other safety improvements have also been installed as part of the intersection upgrade.
"With more lanes, we can get Queenslanders home faster and safer than ever before.
"Thanks to Queensland's strong response to COVID-19 we can get on with the job of delivering massive upgrades like this, to benefit locals and tourist alike."
Other key works included installing:
- on-road bike lanes and a signalised pedestrian crossing across Caboolture-Bribie Island Road,
- dedicated bus stopping bays on both sides of Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, and
- a new U-turn on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the next package of works for the Bribie Island Road Upgrade Strategy will include duplicating the existing lanes between Old Toorbul Point Road and Saint Road from two to four lanes, and signalising the Volz Road intersection, with design work expected to start in coming months.
"These first two stages of the Bribie Island Road Upgrade Strategy are all about alleviating traffic congestion and improving safety," Mr Longman said.
"Whether people are travelling to or from the island, doing the school run into St Michael's College, visiting the Abbey Museum or just passing through, motorists will now have a safer and more efficient journey.
"This is another example of the Australian Government's record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action, helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery."
State Member for Pumicestone Ali King said the call was out for locals to have their say on the next package of works along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road.
"Planning is currently being finalised for the next phase between Old Toorbul Point Road and Saint Road, so we are calling on locals to provide input before design gets underway," Ms King said.
"As a key link between the Bruce Highway and Bribie Island, Caboolture-Bribie Island Road is used by more than 48,000 drivers a day.
"These drivers know best when it comes to what they want to see along the stretch and that's why we want to hear your thoughts on this project and future stages in planning.
"Jump online or call in to help shape the future of this major project."
Other current or recent work on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road as part of the joint $58.35 million investment includes:
- $3 million for the Regina Avenue intersection upgrade - design started in May 2021
- $20.95 million for the future duplication between Hickey Road to just west of King Johns Creek, including signalising the Hickey Road intersection - planning is underway
- $4 million to finalise planning and start preliminary design for a new Bribie Island bridge.
Transport and Main Roads also completed $4 million of rehabilitation and resurfacing along 3.4 kilometres of the road from Peel Road through to Bestmann Road (West) roundabout, Ningi in June this year (2021).
