Tenders to build Brisbane’s first diverging diamond interchange are now out to market.
The $30 million jointly funded project is expected to bring 65 jobs online and will transform the northside intersection.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the innovative design that will bust congestion, improve travel times and address safety issues.
“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for Brisbane and suburbs further north that will give communities as well as businesses an economic boost for years to come,” Mr Tudge said.
“It’s one congestion-busting upgrade among many as part of our infrastructure investments across Queensland, which are creating jobs and critical economic support as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the global economy had been hit hard by COVID-19, but Queensland’s strong health response meant the state could kick-start the economy quickly and get on with its $23 billion pipeline of road and transport upgrades.
“With a diverging diamond design, traffic will be switched to the other side of the road, eliminating the need to cross the path of oncoming cars or wait for a green light to turn right onto Gympie Arterial Road,” Mr Bailey said.
“We know there’s a long road ahead when it comes to COVID-19, and that’s why we’re focussed on Queensland’s plan for economic recovery – a laser-like focus on infrastructure, jobs, industry and business.”
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the tender process to upgrade the Strathpine Road interchange in Brisbane’s north has been brought forward to allow initial works to begin later this year.
“Major construction is set to start early next year, supporting jobs and the economy as Queensland continues to unite and recover from COVID-19,” Mr Howarth said.
“A key benefit of this kind of interchange is that right-turning traffic does not have to give way to opposing traffic and decreases the number of traffic lights required, making the intersection both safer and more efficient.”
State Member for Aspley Bart Mellish, who recently locked in $128 million for the Beams Road level crossing, said it added to a raft of transport and roads projects either underway or planned for the northside, including the jointly funded $125 million Linkfield Road interchange upgrade.
“This interchange upgrade will mean traffic relief for the 20,000 people who use this road daily,” Mr Mellish said.
“Our community is fast-becoming a major hub for families, businesses and essential services, and it’s vital we get on with the job of delivering jobs and the transport infrastructure we need.”
State Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said it was great to see all levels of government working together to bring jobs online and bust congestion.
“This is a job-creating, congestion-tackling project that builds on projects in Brisbane’s northside like the $1 billion Gateway Motorway upgrade completed last year,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Our community knows just how frustrating the overpass can be during peak times, and I’m glad the design team has listened and understood local concerns.”
This $30 million Diverging Diamond Interchange project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 50:50 basis.
