How roads and bridges are named

Naming a road, bridge or other transport related infrastructure is important—names make it easier for people and emergency services to navigate their way around the community.

Names also contribute to accessibility, strengthen connections between people and places, and support a sense of community identity by recognising historical, cultural and natural linkages.. They can also honour individuals or events that have made significant contributions to Queensland communities.

What can be named?

We are responsible for naming state-controlled transport infrastructure such as:

• roads
• bridges
• bikeways
• walkways and pedestrian overpasses
• rail overpasses
• rest areas
• park 'n' ride facilities
• jetties, pontoons and boat ramps.

A list of infrastructure we do not name can be found in our Naming of Infrastructure Policy. 

Selecting a name

When selecting a suitable name, we consider the following principles.

Wayfinding

Names must support the community in:

• navigating
• orientating
• identifying the infrastructure.

Clear and consistent naming improves accessibility and supports the efficient movement of people, goods and services across the transport network.

Community identity and connection

The selected name should reflect community values and expectations and contribute to a sense of identity.

The name should: 

• enable the community to identify with the infrastructure through historical, cultural, heritage, environmental or natural linkages 

or 

• commemorate an individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the local community, be of good character and enjoy broad community support 

and 

• be easily written and read across all signs, maps and guides.

Naming also provides an opportunity to strengthen connections between communities and recognise contributions that support Queensland’s social, cultural and economic development.

Appropriateness

A name must not: 

• be offensive
• be demeaning 
• be harmful to the reputation of individuals or to social, ethnic, religious or other groups
• likely to cause offence generally.

If a name that is currently being used is inappropriate and the community agree, the name may be reconsidered.

A name commemorating a person should not be considered until at least two years after their death.

Single naming (not dual naming)

Using more than one name for the same piece of infrastructure is not supported.

A single, consistent name supports clear wayfinding, reduces confusion and ensures efficient navigation across the transport network.

Contiguous

A name must apply to single structure or contiguous length of road.

Road name cannot be interrupted by a differently named section.

Unique

Names that duplicate or may be confused with others in the same area will not be considered.

In order to acquire uniqueness we avoid:

• homographic names (same spelling, different meaning or pronunciation
• homophonic names (sound alike)
• qualifiers such as Upper, Lower, Old, New or Little that can create confusion.

A name may be reused in another town if it does not create confusion and supports effective wayfinding.

Language

Only English and Indigenous language can be used. 

We also consider: 

• name length
• ease of pronunciation.

We seek to avoid: 

• hyphenated names
• acronyms
• abbreviations, initials or articles ('a' and 'the') unless historically justified.

Renaming

Names are intended to remain for the life of the infrastructure and should have long-term relevance.

Changing a name can create cost and disruption for the community and may impact critical services. However, a name may be changed where necessary, including:

• replacement of a structure
• major upgrades
• resolving duplication or confusion
• correcting errors (e.g. spelling)
• where a name is no longer appropriate.

Naming decisions consider long-term relevance and adaptability as Queensland’s transport network evolves.

Suggesting a name

From time to time we may invite community suggestions for naming new infrastructure.

All submissions are assessed against the naming principles to ensure fair, transparent and consistent decision making. Community input and stakeholder engagement may be considered appropriate.

For more information contact your local roads office.

Further information on how we name our roads and bridges is provided in our Naming of Infrastructure policy.