Project info
The construction phase of the $315 million Houghton Highway Duplication Project commenced in February 2008. Construction was completed in August 2011, weather permitting.
The project involved construction of a new 2.7 km bridge between Brisbane and Redcliffe. The new bridge is located 35 m east of the existing Houghton Highway bridge and features three traffic lanes, a pedestrian/cycle path, and a dedicated fishing platform.
The project is wholly funded by the Queensland Government and was delivered by Transport and Main Roads and its construction contractor, the Hull-Albem Joint Venture.
Key features and benefits
- Reduced traffic congestion.
- Reduced travel times on the bridges and at the approach intersections.
- Improved road safety with one way traffic flow on each bridge.
- Upgraded underpasses for pedestrian and cycle access.
- Priority for buses entering and exiting the bridges.
- New pedestrian and cycle underpass.
- Tourist attraction for visitors to the Redcliffe peninsula and Brisbane bayside suburbs.
- A vital link in the Moreton Bay Cycleway by connecting the Deagon Deviation Bikeway to the Clontarf and Brighton foreshore paths.
- Fishing opportunities.
- New landscaped entrance.
- Preservation of the iconic Hornibrook Highway bridge entry portals.
- Environmentally sensitive design.
- Improved stormwater management at the approach intersections and at both ends of the bridge.
- Pelican perching opportunities.
Further information
The plan
A new 2.7 km bridge was constructed to the east of the existing Houghton and Hornibrook Highway bridges.
A new 4.5 m wide shared pedestrian and cycle facility was combined with the new bridge and forms a key link in the Moreton Bay Cycleway.
New and improved pedestrian underpasses at both ends of the Houghton and Hornibrook Highway bridges.
A fishing platform (approximately 50 m × 10 m) is located in the southern channel and to the seaward side of the new bridge incorporating seating, shelter, drink fountains, fishing facilities and lighting. This platform is connected to the pedestrian and cycle facility by a 5 m wide disability access ramp.
A section of the Hornibrook Highway bridge was reconstructed to access the northern channel for fishing and recreation purposes.
Intersections were upgraded at either end of the bridge with traffic lights and pedestrian crossing facilities.
New car parking facilities are available at both the northern and southern ends of the bridge.
The existing Houghton Highway bridge was refurbished with asphalt overlay to give a smoother ride.
The new Houghton Highway bridge is designed to withstand a one-in-2000 year storm event. It is the first of its type in Australia, and among the first in the world, to reflect the lessons learned after Hurricane Katrina which hit the Gulf of Mexico in August 2005.
The duplicate Houghton Highway bridge is approximately four metres higher than the existing Houghton Highway bridge, and therefore above any likely wave. This will ensure that Redcliffe will keep this vital link to Brisbane in the aftermath of a severe storm.
This push to design coastal infrastructure is in line with other projects being spearheaded by the Government to lead the way and understand and cater for the effects of climate change on the Queensland coastline.
Key milestones
- Initial community consultation: late 2005 (completed)
- Options investigation and development of project concepts: 2006 (completed)
- Community consultation on project plans: mid 2007 (completed)
- Finalisation of project plans and construction tender period: late 2007 (completed)
- Construction works commence at Brighton: early 2009 (completed)
- Construction works commence at Clontarf Point: mid 2008 (completed)
- Bridge construction works commence: mid 2008 (completed)
- Opening of the new bridge and fishing platform: mid 2010 (completed)
- Resurfacing and upgrading of the existing Houghton Highway bridge commences: mid 2010 (completed)
- Demolition and partial rebuilding of the old Hornibrook Highway bridge commences: mid 2010 (completed)
- All project works completed: August 2011 (completed)
Contact details
| Email: |
houghtonhighway@tmr.qld.gov.au |
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| Phone: |
+61 1800 626 976 (freecall within Australia) |
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| Fax: |
+61 7 3834 8363 |
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| Post: |
Houghton Highway Duplication Project
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Reply Paid 70
Spring Hill QLD 4004 |
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